{"id":21316,"date":"2019-10-26T07:00:50","date_gmt":"2019-10-26T11:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordontennis.com\/?p=21316"},"modified":"2019-10-25T14:18:42","modified_gmt":"2019-10-25T18:18:42","slug":"wta-finals-day-1-predictions-osaka-kvitova-barty-bencic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2019\/10\/26\/wta-finals-day-1-predictions-osaka-kvitova-barty-bencic\/","title":{"rendered":"WTA Finals Day 1 Predictions: Naomi Osaka vs Petra Kvitova and Ashleigh Barty vs Belinda Bencic"},"content":{"rendered":"

The top eight performers of 2019 are set to compete on Day 1 of the WTA Finals starting on Sunday. Perhaps no sport has had as many shifts in point leaders nor tournament champions as has the WTA. Indeed, the field wasn\u2019t finalized until October 19th<\/sup>, as the points separating the contenders was so close.<\/p>\n

Serena Williams was edged out, falling a mere 60 points short of the Top 8. Britain’s Johanna Konta ended three spots outside. And, Kiki Bertens, who won two titles and reached two finals and five semifinals came in 10th.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s field is comprised of Bianca Andreescu, Ashleigh Barty, Belinda Bencic, Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Naomi Osaka, Karolina Pliskova and Elina Svitolina. Ukrainia’s Svitolina is the defending champion, and she’ll be determined to earn her sole title of 2019.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at Sunday\u2019s matches and predictions for who\u2019ll win the first round robin matches.<\/p>\n

WTA Finals Day 1 Predictions<\/h2>\n

Ashleigh Barty vs Belinda Bencic<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Head to head: <\/strong>First meeting<\/p>\n

Meeting for the first time, Ashleigh Barty and Belinda Bencic will square off on opening day at the WTA Finals. Bencic has been hot in 2019. The Swiss started strong with a semifinal run in Hobart. Bencic claimed the Dubai Open title in February, defeating the second seed Petra Kvitova in a topsy turvy three-set match. Surprising first round losses are all but forgotten, replaced by semifinal or final runs in Indian Wells, Madrid, Mallorca, and the US Open<\/a>. Momentum will follow the 22-year-old, who just lifted the trophy in Moscow. Granted, Barty will be a challenge, but not one the Swiss will view as insurmountable.<\/p>\n

World #1 Ashleigh Barty is yet another 2019 success story. The Aussie reached the top spot in the ranking in June, and with the exception of a three week stretch, has reigned #1. The French Open<\/a> champion<\/a> has enjoyed success on both the singles side and the doubles side of events. In fact, Barty and doubles partner Victoria Azarenka missed their bid to the WTA Finals by less than 500 points. Clearly, it\u2019s been a stellar year for the 23-year-old.<\/p>\n

Ashleigh Barty demonstrates amazing court craft. Though she\u2019s known for her backhand slice, Barty can mix power with placement, slice with stamina and can turn defense into offense with her strategic execution. If Bencic has any momentary lapses or experiences a frustrating few games, Ashleigh Barty will run away with this match. Yet, between two fierce competitors, Bencic can and will course correct but not enough to challenge Barty. Expect two tight sets which Barty finds her way through.
\nPrediction: Barty in 2<\/em><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>