The WTA Tour Asian Swing continues with the 2023 Guangzhou Open. Top-seeded at the event is Magda Linette, who takes on Jodie Burrage in the opening round. Is the Pole the favorite to take that one, despite losing to Burrage on grass this year? Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Guangzhou Day 1 Predictions
Greet Minnen vs Diane Parry
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s been a nice couple of months for Greet Minnen with a US Open round three appearance (from the qualifying) and the final at the WTA 125K in Kozerki. The Belgian is firing at the moment and showing why her forehand is among the most underrated weapons on the tour. She’s facing another dynamic, attacking player in the youngster Diane Parry. Right now, Minnen should be able to overwhelm the 21-year-old.
Prediction: Minnen in 2
Kateryna Baindl vs Rebeka Masarova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Rebeka Masarova is sitting at a career-high ranking right now and deservedly so, because this is the best season she’s had so far. Even during her last event at the US Open, she managed to eliminate Maria Sakkari in the opening round. The Spaniard always had some untapped potential and is now finally making it clear. Kateryna Baindl made back-to-back quarterfinals at this event in 2017/18, but she doesn’t have the explosive potential of her opponent.
Prediction: Masarova in 2
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Magda Linette vs Jodie Burrage
Head-to-head: Burrage 1-0
Magda Linette didn’t follow up her Australian Open run, but it’s also not like she’s playing some of the worst tennis of her career. She’s basically gone back to competing at a level that would put her at around 50th in the WTA Rankings. The Pole used to put up some great performances in Asia, winning Ningbo in 2014 and Hua Hin in 2020. Jodie Burrage might struggle to keep up with her if Linette can thrive in these sort of conditions again.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
