There are two superb WTA Beijing semifinals scheduled for Saturday. Last year’s US Open champion, Coco Gauff, will face Paula Badosa, and the home favourite Zheng Qinwen is set to battle Karolina Muchova. We at here LWOT give our predictions for both of those exciting matchups in this article, but which two players do you think will make the final?
WTA Beijing Semifinals Predictions
Zheng Qinwen vs Karolina Muchova
Head-to-head: Zheng 1-1 Muchova
Both women fought through very tough matches to set up this contest. Qinwen recovered from a set down against teenage prodigy Mirra Andreeva, while Muchova twice came back from a break down in the final set to stun the world #2 Aryna Sabalenka and maintain her excellent run of form. These two met on clay a few months ago in the WTA Palermo Open final, which Zheng won in three sets. Muchova triumphed in their other match, which was also on clay.
Although both players have impressed so far, Muchova’s level has been slightly better throughout the tournament. Zheng’s performance against Andreeva would not have been sufficient to beat Sabalenka in the quarterfinal. Muchova will probably be more comfortable playing Zheng on a hard court. The biggest reason Muchova lost the final in Palermo was how Zheng regularly pushed her back deep in the court with her heavy topspin forehand. The recent US Open semifinalist can counter that better in Beijing on a hard court and should also get more opportunities to move forward, which could give her a slight edge.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
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Coco Gauff vs Paula Badosa
Head-to-head: Badosa 3-2 Gauff
Gauff’s performance in the last round summed up her season. She had significant issues with her second-serve all-match but showed she was one of the best competitors in the game to fight through to the semifinals. Usually, this is as far as Gauff goes before she faces an opponent who exploits the issues in her game. Badosa lost in three sets to Gauff on clay at the Italian Open on clay a few months ago, but the Spaniard was in the early stages of returning from a lengthy injury.
This has been a challenging matchup for Gauff, who trails Badosa 1-2 on hard courts. Badosa is one of the few players who can get free points against Gauff’s excellent return and she is also adept at attacking weak second-serves. The 26-year-old has also generally been dominant in the forehand-to-forehand exchanges against the American. Gauff’s achievements, mentality, and ability mean she should never be ruled out. However, the matchup and Badosa’s excellent form since the start of the North American hardcourt swing give her a great chance of reaching the final.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
