14-second round matches are scheduled on Day 3 of the WTA Wuhan Open, as many top players play their first match of the week. This article features #6 seed Jessica Pegula, who will take on compatriot Hailey Baptiste in what could be a thrilling encounter. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance?
WTA Wuhan Day 3 Predictions
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro vs Iva Jovic
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro won her first match at the Wuhan Open as she defeated Varvara Gracheva in straight sets. The first set was crucial, and the Spaniard played a great tiebreaker to clinch the set, carrying the momentum into the second. Iva Jovic lost to Varvara Gracheva in qualifying and comes into this match as a lucky loser. The 17-year-old is seeking her first win in Asia, and it won’t be easy against an in-form Bouzas Maneiro.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3
Shuai Zhang vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-Head: Zhang 2-1 Cirstea
Shuai Zhang rallied from a 0-3 deficit in the third set to surprise Emma Navarro and earn her first victory here since 2018. Towards the end, Zhang served incredibly well, denying the American player any opportunity of recovery. Sorana Cirstea bagelled Jelena Ostapenko in the first set before the Latvian retired early in the second. This should be a fun match between two veterans who are still capable of some great tennis. I am backing the Chinese in this one.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-Head: Rybakina 2-1 Cristian
No. 8 seed Elena Rybakina is playing here for the first time since 2019, when she reached the quarterfinals. She will be trying to rebound from her surprising loss to Eva Lys in Beijing and get off to a great start. However, Jaqueline Cristian is a tough opponent and has beaten Rybakina before. She can raise her level, and Rybakina must play well to fend off this challenge.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Hailey Baptiste
Head-to-Head: Pegula 2-0 Baptiste
Jessica Pegula wasn’t at her best in Beijing, but her fighting spirit was on full display as she battled through four straight three-set matches to reach the semifinals. She will be aiming for some easy wins this week, but Hailey Baptiste might have a different plan in mind. Baptiste came through a tough match in the first round to get her first win in Asia this season. She can make this a contest if she controls the unforced errors, but I am backing the No. 5 seed to prevail.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – Imagn Images
