The final has been reached at the WTA 250 event in Guangzhou, and it promises to be a superb contest. The #1 seed, Magda Linette, is the higher ranked of the two players by a comfortable margin. But Xiyu Wang has the benefit of a home crowd to inspire her to victory in China. We at LWOT give our analysis and prediction for the final. But which player do you think will triumph?
WTA Guangzhou Final Prediction
Magda Linette vs Xiyu Wang
Head-to-head: Linette 1-0 Wang
All WTA finals are important, but this one feels especially pivotal to these two players. Wang is looking to win her first ever WTA singles title, while Linette is seeking a first tournament win since 2020. Both women had largely struggled for results during the American hard court swing, but have impressed greatly at the WTA Guangzhou Open, only dropping one set each so far.
Australian Open semifinalist Linette undoubtedly starts as favourite as the #1 seed, and she is also near her career-high ranking, currently sitting at #27. However, Wang has two reasons to be confident. The first is the support her home crowd will provide. The second is the relatively fast conditions at the WTA Guanghzou Open. Although Linette is certainly capable of playing offensively, her speed and anticipation are her biggest assets. A fast court gives Wang some possibility of hitting through the Pole if she can find her range. But it is still a very hard task nonetheless.
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I expect this to be eagerly contested, and for some nerves from both in the early stages. Wang will be navigating how to handle a WTA final for the first time. Linette on the other hand is 31-years-old, and despite playing much superb tennis this year, she may wonder how many more chances will arrive to win a first title since 2020. Overall the two-time WTA champion gets the edge. The adrenaline from her home fans might carry Wang a certain amount. However, expect the more experienced Linette to hold her nerve better in the biggest moments in the WTA Guangzhou final. The aggressive game Wang needs to play is even more difficult to produce in the most important points.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
