Eight interesting WTA Wuhan round of 16 matches will be played on Thursday with a number of star names set to be in action in China. As always, we here at LWOT predict every match on the slate, including Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic, but who will book their spot in the last eight?.
WTA Wuhan Day 4 Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Liudmila Samsonova
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 3-2 Samsonova
Liudmila Samsonova has caused Aryna Sabalenka some issues in their previous meetings, but she was comprehensively beaten by the world #1 earlier this season. That may well have dented her confidence, and her pre-match hopes won’t be helpd by the knowledge that Sabalenka has also never lost a match in Wuhan, where she is the three-time defending champion. Although the Belarusian started slowly in her opening match before recovering, expect her to improve in this match.
Jasmine Paolini vs Clara Tauson
Head-to-head: Paolini 1-0 Tauson
Both women can still qualify for the WTA Finals, although Jasmine Paolini’s chances are much better than Clara Tauson’s. The Dane almost certainly needs to go deep at the WTA Wuhan Open to have any chance – and quite possibly win the title. Although the conditions suit Tauson well, Paolini’s more complete game will probably give her the edge. If the Italian gets enough balls into play, particularly in the critical moments., Tauson’s game could unravel quickly.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: Rybakina 2-0 Noskova
Linda Noskova’s two victories against Naomi Osaka and Yulia Putintseva were very impressive after such a quick turnaround from her China Open final loss. However, it will be hard for the Czech to keep battling through quality opponents. This will be her sixth match in seven days, and Elena Rybakina can take advantage of that if she performs well.
Coco Gauff vs Zhang Shuai
Head-to-head: Gauff 3-0 Zhang
Coco Gauff has not dropped a set against Zhang in three previous meetings, but most of those sets were close. The home favourite has no chance of changing that record if Gauff plays as well as the previous round. She landed 85% of first serves in her 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Moyuka Uchijima. Such is her quality off the ground, opponents often rely on Gauff’s serve being weak to beat her, and Zhang will need that to falter again for any hope of an upset.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
