There is a packed schedule for Day 2 of the WTA Jiangxi Open. Home favorite Shuai Zhang’s contest against Rebecca Sramkova is one of nine matches that will be played. We at LWOT predict all the action here and in a separate article, including Laura Siegemund vs Moyuka Uchijima, but which players do you think will reach the next round in China?
WTA Jiangxi Day 2 Predictions
Fangzhou Liu vs Xinxin Yao
Head-to-head: Liu 2-2 Yao
Liu defeated Yao in straight sets in qualifying, but Yao entered the draw as a lucky loser. This is an excellent opportunity for two players ranked outside the Top 200 to win in the main draw of a WTA 250 tournament. Liu is a more experienced player, and beating Yao might give her the confidence she needs to do it again in the main draw.
Prediction: Liu in 3
Anna Bondar vs Arianne Hartono
Head-to-head: Bondar 3-1 Hartono
Both women enter this match in poor form. Hartono’s form has collapsed since reaching the Thailand Open semifinals over a month ago, while Bondar’s performances throughout the Asian swing have not been near her best. All their previous meetings were on clay, but Hartono’s aggressive style might be enough to overcome Bondar after her opponent’s recent lackluster performances.
Prediction: Hartono in 2
Lucia Bronzetti vs Mananchaya Sawangkaew
Head-to-head: First meeting
Bronzetti lost a thrilling Guangzhou Open semifinal to Caroline Dolehide 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 a few days ago. The Italian could win the title in Jiangxi if she reproduces her level from that match. However, this is a tricky draw since Sawangkaew reached the quarterfinal in Guangzhou. She could make the match a fight for Bronzetti, but the difference in firepower between the two players will likely prove decisive.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 3
Mai Hontama vs Sijia Wei
Head-to-head: Wei 1-0 Hontama
Hontama has been consistently coming through qualifying but then losing in the opening round of the main draw in her recent tournaments. Wei showed her ability by beating Rebecca Sramkova last week in Guangzhou. But this might be a frustrating matchup for Wei, who likes to play on the front foot. Hontama is happy to play long rallies and might wear her opponent down.
Prediction: Hontama in 3
Shuai Zhang vs Rebecca Sramkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Last week, Sramkova lost her first match back since an incredible run of 13 wins in 15 matches last month, including winning her maiden title at the Thailand Open. Similarly, Zhang has struggled to find form again after her unexpected achievement of reaching the China Open quarterfinals. Both players will try to be aggressive and dictate the rallies. Overall, it might be challenging for Sramkova to regain momentum after not playing for three weeks before her defeat in Guangzhou to Wei.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Main Photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
