Making its return to the WTA Tour for the first time since 2019, the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan will feature many Top 10 players on Wednesday. Any points gained this week are crucial for the WTA Finals race. This set of predictions by LWOT features Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time Wuhan defending champion from when this event was last played.
WTA Wuhan Day 3 Predictions
Lesia Tsurenko vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: 2-2
This match marks a rematch from just a couple of weeks ago in Thailand — Linette won that match 6-2 7-5 on the fast courts in Hua Hin. Linette claimed a big Top 20 win over Ludia Samsonova on Tuesday after failing to win a set against her in three previous meetings. The Pole should continue that momentum into the second round as long as she can stay consistent with her groundstrokes and serve.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fernandez claimed a confident-boosting win over Diana Shnaider in her first-round match. At the same time, Rakhimova is a lucky loser in the Wuhan draw for the second tournament in a row — she’s already played three matches this week. Rakhimova won her opening match 6-1 6-2 but must counter Fernandez’s strong lefty game. The Canadian will soon have to defend a lot of ranking points from a successful 2023 campaign in China, and this should be a good opportunity for her to pick up some points.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Jasmine Paolini vs Yue Yuan
Head-to-head: Paolini 1-0
The pair’s only meeting came in China last September at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing when Paolini fought back in a gritty three-set encounter. While Yuan’s level has elevated over the past year, Paolini has skyrocketed into the Top 5 of the rankings. Yuan battled past Clara Burel in her first-round match, winning 1-6 6-4 6-2. She’ll have the home crowd on her side but must prepare for Paolini’s flat groundstrokes and impressive footspeed on the court. Picking the Italian to win in a close two-set encounter, winning the bigger points when it matters.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 1-0
Sabalenka hasn’t stepped on these Wuhan courts in five years, but she’ll look to better an impressive 12-0 record at the event on Wednesday. Siniakova has struggled as of late to match up against top players, and the Belarusian has the more powerful and controlling game. Sabalenka should win this match in straight sets, barring any massive drop in form.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
