The remaining second-round matches will be played on Day 4 of the WTA Guangzhou Open. The top three seeds have safely gotten through their first-round matches but the road gets tougher from here and it will be interesting to see if all of them can make the quarterfinals or not. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for Day 4. But who will advance?
WTA Guangzhou Day 4 Predictions
Marie Bouzkova vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-Head: Bouzkova 0-1 Dolehide
Marie Bouzkova easily defeated last week’s champion in Osaka, Suzan Lamens, in the first round. It was a statement win from Bouzkova as she eyes a good week after some close losses recently. Caroline Dolehide ended her five-match losing streak in the main draw with a solid performance in the first round. Dolehide’s recent struggles have led her to slip down the rankings but now that the pressure of having to defend her Guadalajara points is off, she can play freely and make a deep run. This should be a close encounter which can go either way but I am going with Bouzkova.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Shuai Zhang vs Bernarda Pera
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Shuai Zhang played brilliantly in the first round against Kamilla Rakhimova. The two-time Guangzhou Open champion hit 25 winners and just five unforced errors in a memorable display of her best tennis. Zhang is the only remaining champion in the draw and if she can maintain the attacking level, she will be in prime position to win the title. Bernarda Pera played a dominant match too in the first round but winning consecutive matches have been difficult for Pera this year and I don’t trust her enough in this form.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Yue Yuan vs Mananchaya Sawangkaew
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Yue Yuan is one win away from reaching her first quarterfinals on her home soil. Yuan looked good in her opening match and will be a heavy favourite against Mananchaya Sawangkaew, who has made big strides in this Asian Swing. The Thai player is relatively inexperienced at this level but is improving nicely. Sawangkaew is talented but still has ups and downs in a match which is not ideal against a tough opponent like Yuan. The Chinese player should prevail.
Prediction: Yuan in 2
Katerina Siniakova vs Alycia Parks
Head-to-Head: Siniakova 2-0 Parks
Katerina Siniakova hasn’t been too impressive lately but played like a top seed against Petra Martic in the first round. Siniakova has a brilliant record against Alycia Parks but if Parks plays like she has nothing to lose, she will be a big threat. Parks has had a very inconsistent season and Siniakova will know that. The American definitely has the game but backing her is extremely risky against a Top 50 player.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
