The conclusion of the 2019 WTA season is close at hand. But there is still plenty to play for in the coming weeks, not least the China Open title. On day one in Beijing, who will advance and who will fall to defeat?
China Open Day One Predictions
Zheng Saisai vs Monica Puig
Head-to-head: Zheng 1-0 Puig
In what promises to be a thrilling encounter, 2016 gold medallist Monica Puig will take on Zheng Saisai. The Puerto Rican has not yet managed to recapture the magic that took her to victory at the Olympics, but she has proven herself a solid touring professional and she certainly has the quality to trouble Zheng. Neither woman has been in particularly good form lately, with both losing in the first round at the US Open. As a result, expect a close match, though perhaps not one high on quality. But with the backing of the home crowd, Zheng should have enough to advance.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
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Kiki Bertens vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: Vekic 3-2 Bertens
Since arriving in Paris expected to lift the French Open only to be forced to retire in the second round, Holland’s Kiki Bertens has yet to really find her feet. She certainly did not manage to perform at her best during the North American summer hard-court swing, losing early in Montreal, Cincinnati and New York. Vekic, meanwhile, has enjoyed a season to remember, highlighted by a quarterfinal showing at the US Open. The Croatian should be full of confidence and will surely be targeting a strong end to the season. Expect her to prove too strong for Bertens.
Predictions: Vekic in 3
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Jelena Ostapenko vs Karolina Pliskova
Head-to-head: Pliskova 3-1 Ostapenko
Make no mistake, when she sets her mind to it Ostapenko can play. But the sort of performances that took her to the French Open trophy two years ago have been few and between of late. Pliskova, in contrast, despite disappointment at the Majors has enjoyed a fine year and will surely be eager to manufacture a deep run at the China Open. And despite a slightly indifferent start to the Asian swing her power, particularly on serve, ensure she remains one to watch. This should make for an entertaining clash, but Pliskova has unquestionably been in the better form of late. Expect her to continue her impressive run of results at Ostapenko’s expense at the China Open.
Predictions: Pliskova in 2
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Sofia Kenin vs Garbine Muguruza
Head-to-head: first meeting
It has been a breakthrough season for Sofia Kenin, who has scored some excellent results, not least beating Serena Williams in the third round at the French Open. She got her Asian swing off to an impressive start by winning the title in Seoul and she will surely be eager to maintain that impressive run of form. She will, however, need to be at her best against Garbine Muguruza. The Spaniard may not quite be the force that she was when she ascended to the world #1 ranking two seasons ago, but she remains an effective player. But will she be able to contend with the depth and accuracy of Kenin? The prevailing evidence suggests no.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
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