Coco Gauff begins her WTA Beijing title defense on Day 3 against Kamilla Rakhimova. The American No. 1’s match is among 16 scheduled. We here at LWOT predict all the action in our articles, including Amanda Anisimova vs Katie Boulter, Elena Rybakina vs Caty McNally, and Jasmine Paolini vs Anastasija Sevastova.
WTA Beijing Day 3 Predictions
Marie Bouzkova vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: First meeting
This could be among the lengthiest matches of the tournament between two players adept at extending rallies. Linette plays slightly more aggressively, especially with her backhand. Bouzkova’s forehand, while not overly powerful, is slightly better than the Pole’s. I will give the Czech a slight edge over her seeded opponent after performing well in the previous round, but this could go either way.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Elise Mertens vs McCartney Kessler
Head-to-head: Kessler 1-0 Mertens
Kessler won her sole previous meeting against Mertens in three sets at the 2025 Hobart International. Kessler’s best surface by far is hard court, helping her chances of beating the Belgian again. However, the slowness of the courts in Beijing suits Mertens slightly more because of her ability to frustrate opponents with variety and solidity. That might prove the difference.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Xinyu Wang vs Shuai Zhang
Head-to-head: Wang 3-0 Zhang
Zhang will look for inspiration in Beijing to overturn her head-to-head record against Wang. The older of these Chinese players has never won a set in this matchup. She had a superb and unexpected run to the quarterfinals of this tournament last year. While that provides some hope, it is not enough to make me believe she will defeat Wang for the first time.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Coco Gauff vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Gauff won the 2024 iteration despite being out of form and making a coaching change beforehand. The world No. 3’s circumstances are similar this year after she split from Matt Daly and hired a biomechanics coach for her troublesome serve. While it is challenging to predict what Gauff’s exact level will be in this match, she should have more than enough to beat Rakhimova in suitable conditions.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
