On Day 5, the Red Group are slated for their last match of the group stage at the WTA Finals. Mathematically, all four women remain in contention. The current standings see Bencic and Barty 1-1, Bertins at 1-0, and Kvitova yet to secure a win. Who will secure a semifinal spot?
WTA Finals Day 5 Predictions
Ashleigh Barty vs Petra Kvitova
Head to head: Barty 2-4 Kvitova
While Ashleigh Barty has secured the year end World #1 ranking, her bid for in WTA Final remains uncertain. A 1-1 record puts her at the top of the group, yet Barty will need to win her bout with Petra Kvitova to secure a spot in the semifinals. In her first round, Barty dropped the first set to Belinda Bencic, but bounced back to command the second and third sets. The Porsche Race to Shenzen winner won 82% behind her first delivery and 62% behind her second serve. It was solid serving which allowed Bencic a single service break. In the second round, Barty’s low serve percentage allowed Kiki Bertens seven service breaks. While Barty broke on six occasions, the momentum and the match belonged to the alternate Bertens. Clearly, when Barty is serving well, she is unstoppable.
Petra Kvitova is without a win going into the final match of the round robin group stage. The losses have certainly been disappointing as the Czech played well. Of course, the 19 double faults were costly, and Kvitova would do well to reign in those errant serves. Known for her powerful lefty groundstrokes, the World #6 now finds herself in a must win scenario.
While Kvitova has the 4-2 lead in the head to head, the hard court results split 2-2. Barty will feel quite confident after claiming a three set against the Czech in Beijing. It will be a battle no doubt, but I give the edge to Barty who has the momentum in this rivalry.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Kiki Bertens vs Belinda Bencic
Head to head: Bertens 3-0 Bencic
Kiki Bertens is making the most of her late substitution into the WTA Finals. Tuesday’s contest against Ashleigh Barty saw Bertens claim her 55th win of the year and put her squarely in contention of the title in Shenzhen. Bertens will square off against Belinda Bencic, a player who has yet to beat the Dutchwoman.
No doubt Belinda Bencic is having a stellar year. And, her strong performance against Petra Kvitova shows just how much fight the Swiss brings to her matches. Bencic may well claim her first win against Bertens on Tuesday. Their previous two matches went the distance, before Bertens edged her out. The Swiss is playing with confidence. Redirecting shots and taking time away from Bertens will be an effective strategy.
In their fourth meeting, Bencic will look for a quick start and an early break. If Bencic can maintain the level she demonstrated against Kvitova, I see her locking up her first win against Bertens.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
