Two Chinese players will battle for the title at the WTA 250 event in Austin, with Wang Xiyu facing Yuan Yue. Wang is hoping to win her second WTA title, while Yuan is seeking her maiden title on the WTA Tour. The exciting final in Austin is predicted in this article. But which player do you think is most likely to win the title?
WTA Austin Final Prediction
Wang Xiyu vs Yuan Yue
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players have been impressive in their journey to this stage. Wang did get one piece of luck when Danielle Collins had to retire with a back injury after the first set of their quarterfinal. However, she did not drop a set in her other victories against Nadia Podoroska, Darja Semenistaja and No. 1 seed in Austin Anhelina Kalinina. Yuan has only dropped one set in her run to the final. That was against Arina Rodionova in the opening round, before beating Taylor Townsend, Wang Yafan and Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in two sets.
Each player tries to play aggressively from the baseline. The left-handed Wang does have an advantage on serve when it is working. At its best, her serve is one of the most formidable in the WTA Top 100. Although Yuan naturally wants to play aggressively, it may be a wise strategy to be more cautious on return than usual. This may even apply on the second serve of Wang.
I expect this to be a close final, with a lot of winners and unforced errors from the racket of both players. Overall, I am backing Wang to win a tight match. The free points she should get from her superior serve could put a lot of pressure on Yuan to come up with shots under pressure. In addition, Wang proved she could handle the pressure of a final last year by easily beating 2023 Australian Open semifinalist Magda Linette in the Guangzhou final. By contrast, Yuan was swept aside in straight sets in her only final byJessica Pegula. That past experience could also prove to be pivotal.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
