We already found out who the four bottom half quarterfinalists will be, now it’s time for the remaining Round of 16 matches in the top half of the China Open draw. Top seed Aryna Sabalenka is still a huge favorite to take the WTA Beijing title. Can Madison Keys have something to say about that? Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Beijing Day 8 Predictions
Karolina Muchova vs Cristina Bucsa
Head-to-head: First meeting
Karolina Muchova was already in fantastic shape at the US Open, beating Naomi Osaka in a second-round blockbuster and repeating her semifinal run from last year. The Czech is such a threat to most of the tour when she’s healthy and possesses unique abilities that make her stand out from the crowd. With how she’s been playing in Beijing so far, Cristina Bucsa looks completely outmatched.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Magda Linette vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-head: 1-1
Magda Linette produced an upset over Mirra Andreeva at the Olympics, and while the Pole is struggling for consistency of late, she’s definitely developed a reputation of a giant-killer reputation of a giant-killer. But that Paris win also had the Russian teenager pretty drained after claiming her first WTA Tour title in Iasi the week before. She should be well-rested now and take down Linette on a court she seems to enjoy a lot.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Amanda Anisimova vs Qinwen Zheng
Head-to-head: Zheng 1-0
Qinwen Zheng and Amanda Anisimova made for a very entertaining round one at the US Open until Anisimova didn’t start falling apart physically. That’s always possible with the American, but she seems fitter now and is dangerous again this week. It seems like she might be running into a stronger Zheng, though. The Chinese have been loving the atmosphere in Beijing and seem desperate for a run at home.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 3-1
Theoretically, Aryna Sabalenka’s playstyle is pretty low-margin, and she is quite upset-prone, but since Cincinnati, it just doesn’t seem like anyone can even touch the Belarusian at the moment. Maybe Madison Keys can do it. She already came close to beating her at the US Open last year when the World No. 2 was looking similarly strong. It should be a nice power-hitting contest, but you just can’t go against Sabalenka right now.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
