A few picks from the Wuhan Open today, with some warm and humid conditions out there at 81°F and partially cloudy skies. We've got three matches to get through, and at least one of them should be genuinely interesting.
WTA Wuhan Open Predictions
Maria Sakkari vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: Sakkari 3-6 Kostyuk
That H2H is a rough one for Sakkari, and Kostyuk has been the more consistent player of the two for a while now. But Sakkari ranked at 35 doesn't really reflect how dangerous she can be on a good day on hard courts, and she's someone who tends to raise her level against top-ten opponents rather than shrink. Kostyuk at #10 is no joke, but this feels like a match that goes deep into a third set regardless of who wins.
I think Sakkari finds a way through here, probably by staying aggressive and making Kostyuk uncomfortable with the pace early in rallies, all things considered. Not the safest pick given the head-to-head, but it's the call.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Magdalena Frech vs Iga Swiatek
Head-to-head: Frech 0-1 Swiatek
Frech is a solid player and has had some decent results this season, but Swiatek at her best on hard courts is just a different level and there's nothing in Frech's game that particularly troubles her. Hard to see this being competitive at all. The one previous meeting went to Swiatek, and this one will too.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Katie Boulter vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: Boulter 0-2 Shnaider
Shnaider has been one of the most exciting players on tour this year and her power off both wings on hard courts is genuinely difficult to handle. That said, Boulter has her weapons too, especially the serve, but she's 0-2 in this matchup, including their most recent meeting, and I feel like Shnaider's physicality and ball-striking just overwhelm her here. Boulter won't go quietly, but this shouldn't go three.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Wally Nell/ZUMA Press Wire