Veronika Kudermetova chose the WTA Zhengzhou Open as her next event after winning Tokyo and losing to Coco Gauff in the second round in Beijing. Seeded ninth at this event, she takes on the former world #2 Vera Zvonareva in the opening round. Can the 39-year-old veteran trouble an in-form top player? Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the tournament?
WTA Zhengzhou Day 2 Predictions
Zhuoxuan Bai vs Tamara Korpatsch
Head-to-head: first meeting
Tamara Korpatsch had a qualifying draw full of doubles specialists in this event, but still had to rely on getting a lucky loser spot after losing to Ellen Perez. She has been really unspectacular during this Chinese swing and Zhuoxuan Bai hasn’t done that much better. The Chinese youngster is an up-and-coming player though with a former top 10 ranking in the juniors and maybe hasn’t said her last word in this part of the season yet.
Prediction: Bai in 3
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Magda Linette vs Petra Martic
Head-to-head: Linette 3-0 Martic
The 3-0 lead for Magda Linette is somewhat surprising and it’s no wonder that despite that, this one actually seems like a coin flip. This is one of the Pole’s favorite parts of the season and she’s already done well, but so has Petra Martic while almost taking out Coco Gauff in Beijing. Let’s say Linette keeps exceeding expectations in Asia but this is a very exciting match with no obvious favorite, in spite of the head-to-head record.
Prediction: Linette in 3
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Veronika Kudermetova vs Vera Zvonareva
Head-to-head: Zvonareva 1-0 Kudermetova
Vera Zvonareva isn’t really playing a full schedule anymore, but this Chinese swing she’s actually been producing some real results and getting a lot of matches in. The former world #2 is probably in trouble here though. Veronika Kudermetova should be oozing confidence after winning Tokyo and has a massive fitness advantage here as well. This is a good opportunity for her to even the score between herself and her renowned countrywoman.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
