The WTA Hong Kong final is one of the last of the season, but it could also be among the most fascinating. Diana Shnaider, one of the most improved WTA players in 2024, will battle Katie Boulter for the title. We at LWOT give our prediction and analysis, but which player do you think will win the title?
WTA Hong Kong Final Prediction
Katie Boulter vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Both women hope to finish the best seasons of their careers on a high. Shnaider won titles at the Thailand Open, Bad Homburg Open, and the Hungarian Open, while Boulter secured titles at the San Diego Open and the Nottingham Open. Boulter defeated Aoi Ito, Xiyu Wang, Anastasia Zakharova, and Yue Yuan to reach the final in Hong Kong. Shnaider overcame Kyoka Okamura, Priscilla Hon, Suzan Lamens, and Leylah Fernandez.
Boulter and Shnaider are two of the cleanest ball strikers in the women’s game. The Briton relies slightly more on her serve and forehand to be successful. Although she moves well, Boulter’s defense is not close to as strong as her offense. Shnaider is more adept at digging in and also hanging in the rallies with her backhand when it is needed.
The No. 1 seed’s slightly more complete game presents an issue for Boulter. However, the fast conditions in Hong Kong give the 28-year-old an opportunity to make that irrelevant. Boulter’s serve and forehand are challenging for any player on the WTA Tour to counter when they are firing on all cylinders.
Overall, Shnaider is a very slight favorite, but the courts in Hong Kong mean Boulter has a very realistic chance of beating her younger opponent. Do not be surprised if this late-season battle goes to the wire and becomes one of the most dramatic finals of the 2024 WTA season.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA TODAY Sports
