Three first-round picks from Wuhan today, with temperatures sitting around 84°F under clear skies and the hard courts playing fast. Some interesting matchups to get into, so let's go.
WTA Wuhan Open Predictions
Jasmine Paolini vs Sara Bejlek
Head-to-head: First meeting
Paolini has had a remarkable run over the past year or so, climbing to world number 20 and proving she belongs in the top tier on hard courts. Bejlek is ranked 29th but hasn't done much to suggest she can trouble a player of Paolini's current level, and this being their first meeting gives us no prior form to lean on.
I think Paolini's variety and ability to change the pace of a rally should be too much here. That said, these first-round matches on hard can go sideways quickly, and I wouldn't be surprised if Bejlek takes a set before Paolini closes it out.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Diane Parry vs Anna Kalinskaya
Head-to-head: Parry 0-2 Kalinskaya
Kalinskaya leads this head-to-head 2-0, both wins coming on hard courts, and has looked sharp on hard courts for much of the season. Parry is a decent player but ranked 31st and hasn't shown the consistency to flip this kind of one-sided rivalry around.
Hard to see this being competitive at all. Kalinskaya wins this, probably in three sets because Parry will make her work, but the outcome feels pretty settled.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Leylah Annie Fernandez
Head-to-head: Alexandrova 3-1 Fernandez
This is the most interesting match of the three. Alexandrova leads the head-to-head convincingly, but Fernandez has been grinding her way back into form and is the kind of player who gets better as tournaments go on. The 3-1 record does matter and Alexandrova's flat, aggressive ball-striking on hard courts is a genuine problem for Fernandez's defensive style.
And yet I feel like Fernandez flips this one. She's become so good at not panicking when things get tight, and matches at this level on hard often come down to who blinks first. The conditions should suit her too, all things considered. We'll see.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Marcin Cholewinski/ZUMA Press Wire