The Asian Swing of the WTA Tour is here! After an exciting two weeks in New York City that saw Bianca Andreescu lift the trophy, the end of the season is in sight. However, players will still be looking to win WTA tournaments, such as Nanchang! Who will win and who will fall? Read on to find out!
WTA Nanchang Day 1 Predictions
Dalila Jakupovic vs Sara Errani
Head to Head: never played
Dalila Jakupovic battles Sara Errani in the first round of Nanchang. Jakupovic has really struggled lately, losing 11 of her last 12 matches. Errani experienced some success over the summer, winning an ITF in Rome, but has since barely seen any success. Errani’s serving woes have really hindered her game, as she has zero confidence in her serves which can lead to decreased confidence in the rest of her game.
These two have never played before. Jakupovic will look to play with the controlled aggression necessary to take down Errani. The key will be to stay patient and wait for her opportunity to strike. The Errani she will face today is very different from the Errani that made the French Open final, with less depth and weight of shot today. However, it’s hard to see Jakupovic winning this match given her recent run of form and I see Errani grinding Jakupovic down. Errani moves on.
Prediction: Errani in 2
Monica Niculescu vs Lara Arruabarrena
Head to Head: 3-2 Arruabarrena
Monica Niculescu takes on Lara Arruabarrena for a spot in the second round of Nanchang. Niculescu has only played once since Wimbledon, falling in three sets in the first round of the US Open to Dayana Yastremska. Arruabarrena has not won two matches in a row since Istanbul in April.
Arruabarrena leads the head to head 3-2. However, the head to head on hard courts is 2-2. Niculescu slices almost every shot she plays on both the forehand and the backhand, so that can lead to some unforced errors and bewilder opponents if they are not prepared. Arruabarrena puts a lot of balls in play, but struggles to hit through the court, which can be an issue on hard courts. On a hard court, Niculescu’s game works better compared to clay and she is the better player on hard. Look for Niculescu to make Arruabarrena uncomfortable with all of the slices. Niculescu advances.
Prediction: Niculescu in 3
Rebecca Peterson vs Fang Ying Xun
Head to Head: never played
Rebecca Peterson and Fang Ying Xun battle for the right to play in the second round of Nanchang. Peterson had a very good North American hard court season, beating big-name players such as Sloane Stephens, Barbora Strycova, and Johanna Konta. Xun, a wild card in the tournament, has not played a lot of tennis about the $25k level since Wimbledon, and when she has played above this level, did not have a lot of success.
These two have never played before. Peterson showed a great ability to play with both consistency and precision during the North American hard court swing. Xun will be energized by playing a WTA tournament in her home country, but Peterson has had significantly better results and is a much better player. Peterson wins this one easily.
Prediction: Peterson in 2
Giuliana Olmos vs Magda Linette
Head to Head: never played
Giuliana Olmos takes on Magda Linette in the first round of Nanchang. Olmos did not drop a set in qualifying for this tournament, losing no more than seven games in a match. Linette won her first WTA Tour tournament (not counting $125k) recently, beating Camila Giorgi in the final to win the WTA tournament in the Bronx. Linette lost in the second round of the US Open to Naomi Osaka.
These two have never played before. Linette has played very well recently, counterpunching at a high level. She was even up 3-0* in the second set at the US Open against Osaka. Olmos did well to qualify for this tournament, but beating a veteran player who is playing some of the best tennis of her life is a tough proposition. Linette moves on.
Prediction: Linette in 2
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