The remaining WTA Beijing round of 32 matches will be played on Day 6. One of these is Naomi Osaka vs Katie Volynets, which was rescheduled because of rain on Day 5. We at LWOT predict the other eight matches here and in a separate article, including Aryna Sabalenka vs Ashlyn Kruger. But which players do you think will win?
WTA Beijing Day 6 Predictions
Madison Keys vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Head-to-head: Keys 1-1 Haddad Maia
These two had a thrilling three-set battle in Madrid a few months ago that was one of the most underrated WTA matches of 2024. Haddad Maia’s recent form has been her best of the season, winning the Korea Open and making the US Open quarterfinal. By contrast, Keys has been disrupted by injuries. The American’s more powerful game would make her the favorite at her best, but her physical issues and Haddad Maia’s recent form make it a challenging task.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Amanda Anisimova vs Daria Kasatkina
Head-to-head: Anisimova 4-0 Kasatkina
Kasatkina has not won a set in any of her previous meetings with Anisimova. The former French Open semifinalist thrives when she gets time to wind up her powerful groundstrokes and when her opponent’s second-serve is attachable. A lack of firepower and a weak second-serve are Kasatkina’s biggest weaknesses, making this a tough matchup for her. The Russian usually compensates by playing with heavy spin to keep the ball out of her opponent’s strike zone, but Anisimova is also comfortable hitting the ball above her shoulders, and she is the favorite to triumph against Kasatkina again.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Jasmine Paolini vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Paolini 1-1 Linette
Paolini was far below her best against Clara Tauson, her first match since the US Open. However, the Italian found a way to battle through. Linette defeated Paolini on grass last year, but the Wimbledon finalist is a much better player now. Paolini moves better and strikes the ball harder than the Pole. Not having a significant weapon to disrupt Paolini makes a victory for Linette unlikely.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Mirra Andreeva vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Vekic was pushed harder than most expected against Viktorija Golubic in the previous round. The Wimbledon semifinalist has struggled since losing the Olympic gold medal match at the start of August, and there is a possibility that her season could peter out. Andreeva will look to get into as many backhand-t0-backhand rallies as possible and use her greater athleticism to her advantage. The teenager’s solidity might outlast Vekic over three sets, especially if the match becomes physical.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
