We've got three first-round picks from the WTA Jiangxi Open in Jiujiang today, with mild temperatures and partial cloud cover making for decent conditions out there. The headliner is a rematch of a rivalry that's been more one-sided than people probably remember, so let's get into it.
WTA Jiangxi Open Predictions
Sofia Kenin vs Bianca Vanessa Andreescu
Head-to-head: Kenin 2-4 Andreescu
That head-to-head is the story here. Andreescu has beaten Kenin four times and three of those wins came on hard courts, which is exactly what they're playing on today. Kenin hasn't been particularly sharp this season and sits well outside the top 50 now, while Andreescu, despite the lower ranking, has always shown up in these two's meetings in a way that suggests Kenin genuinely finds her uncomfortable to play.
Andreescu's game, when she's healthy and moving well, creates all kinds of problems with her slice and unorthodox timing and Kenin has never really solved it. Andreescu takes this one.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Dalila Spiteri vs Kyoka Okamura
Head-to-head: First meeting
Two players ranked outside the top 250 meeting for the first time, so there's not a lot to go on here. Okamura has a slight ranking edge and has been more active on the hard court circuit recently, and on this surface that experience tends to matter in tight spots. I think she gets through, but it won't be comfortable.
Prediction: Okamura in 3
Haruka Kaji vs Xinyu Gao
Head-to-head: Kaji 0-4 Gao
Kaji is 0-4 against Gao and nearly 120 spots below her in the rankings, and hard to see this being competitive at all. Gao is the hometown favorite playing in front of Chinese crowds, a factor that clearly counts for something on this tour, and has clearly had Kaji's number every single time they've met. That said, Kaji did push her in a couple of those meetings, so I feel like a third set isn't out of the question even if the result probably isn't.
Prediction: Gao in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Irina R. Hipolito/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire