Three interesting picks from the China Open today, and the headliner is a first-ever meeting between Iga Swiatek and Iva Jovic. Who do you think gets through? Let's get into it.
WTA China Open Predictions
Iva Jovic vs Iga Swiatek
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jovic has had a remarkable rise and at 18 she's already ranked 13th in the world, so this isn't someone Swiatek can sleepwalk past. But Swiatek on hard courts, when she's locked in, is just a different level of problem for most players. Her ability to stay patient in long rallies while still generating pace and spin is something Jovic hasn't faced yet at this stage of a tournament.
I think Swiatek takes this, but Jovic has the game to push her and a third set wouldn't surprise me at all.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Cori Gauff vs Elise Mertens
Head-to-head: Gauff 5-0 Mertens
Five from five is a pretty convincing statement, and Mertens has never really found an answer for Gauff's power off the ground and her ability to take the ball early and disrupt rhythm. Mertens is a clever player and she'll make it competitive, but this matchup has always gone one way and there's no strong reason to think that changes here.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Ann Li vs Elina Svitolina
Head-to-head: Li 0-1 Svitolina
Svitolina has been one of the most consistent players on tour this season and her defensive game on hard courts is genuinely difficult to crack. Li is a solid competitor at 30 in the world, but Svitolina's ability to redirect pace and stay in long exchanges without cracking has been a problem for players ranked much higher than Li. That said, the one prior meeting, which went the distance, went Svitolina's way and I don't see much changing here, all things considered.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Marcin Cholewinski/ZUMA Press Wire