The WTA event this week in Jiujiang features a very modest field on paper, with no one ranked higher than #47 in the draw. However, it should still provide plenty of exciting and well fought matches, with several players looking to end their season on a bright note by winning a rare title at this level. The lack of top players should not stop this from being another great week of tennis in China.
WTA Jiujiang Day 1 Predictions
Linda Fruhvirtova vs Kathinka von Deichmann
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both players have been struggling a lot lately, but Fruhvirtova has been having an especially bad time, coming into this tournament on the back of nine consecutive losses. This match is a great opportunity to break that streak, but it is also a great opportunity for Deichmann to start a rare run at this level, one that she won’t want to waste. Fruhvirtova’s extremely low level of confidence at the moment might well be the difference maker here.
Prediction: Deichmann in 3
Yuliia Starodubtseva vs Arantxa Rus
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is the only matchup of the day between two Top 100 players, albeit two who are on losing streaks at the moment. It should be quite a tight match based on both overall level and form. The lack of previous matchups between the pair makes it hard to predict the matchup dynamics here, but it would be surprising if it wasn’t a tight one.
Prediction: Rus in 3
Petra Martic vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Head-to-head: Martic 1-0 Rakhimova
Rakhimova is the much higher ranked player of the two, but she hasn’t been playing well lately. Based on current form, this should be a very close matchup decided by small details. As a matter of fact, Martic won an almost three-hour three-set match the only previous time the pair faced. This could well be another long and tight three setter.
Prediction: Rakhimova in 3
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro vs Zarina Diyas
Head-to-head: first meeting
In terms of ranking, this is the most one-sided match of the day and should on paper be an easy win for Bouzas Maneiro. However, Diyas is fresh off an ITF title in Turkey and should be high on confidence right now. Still, while she might put up some resistance, overall this level should be a bit too much for her and Maneiro should advance.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 2
Main Photo Credit: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
