One of the most exciting second-round matches at the WTA 250 in Guangzhou will be the clash of styles between Yulia Putintseva and Clara Tauson. Can the determined Kazakh frustrate the impressive youngster? Who do you think will make the quarterfinals? We also look at the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
WTA Guangzhou Day 3 Predictions
Viktorija Golubic vs Rebeka Masarova
Head-to-head: Golubic 1-0
Viktorija Golubic won a stacked ITF event in Tokyo recently, but it certainly feels like her best days are behind her by now. She’s still got the quality though and that awesome one-handed backhand. But can she compete with Rebeka Masarova here? Probably, although the Spaniard is enjoying the best season of her career thus far and making us think back to when she won French Open juniors. Expect her run of form to continue.
Predictions: Masarova in 2
Greet Minnen vs Harriet Dart
Head-to-head: Dart 1-0
Greet Minnen is finally playing up to her potential recently with the final in Kozerki and the third round of the US Open. The Belgian is such a dynamic attacking player and has one of the most underrated forehands in the game. Dart did well to qualify and win a round in the main draw, but she’s much more limited. This one should depend mostly on Minnen’s level. If she’s hitting well, the Brit might not find a way to respond.
Predictions: Minnen in 2
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Diana Shnaider vs Xiyu Wang
Head-to-head: First meeting
Xiyu Wang has already reached the final at a stacked ITF event in Tokyo this month, now she’ll try to make a run on the main tour as well. The Chinese lefty should have a bit of an opportunity here with Diana Shnaider, who slowed down a bit since being one of the hottest young prospects at the beginning of the year. All in all, this should be a fairly even match. Wang’s game seems a bit more repeatable at the moment.
Predictions: Wang in 3
Yulia Putintseva vs Clara Tauson
Head-to-head: First meeting
Yulia Putintseva made the final in Guangzhou five years ago. While seemingly past her prime now, she’s still that gritty competitor that often makes more aggressive players crumble. This one’s a tricky call as for all the talent and easy power of Clara Tauson, the Dane also struggles with her health a lot and can definitely start pressing against a quality defender. Let’s say the conditions in Guangzhou should favor the youngster a bit more.
Predictions: Tauson in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
