We've got three picks from the opening round of qualifying at the WTA Huzhou Open, with rain threatening throughout the day at 64°F. Plenty of interesting matchups to get into, so let's go.
WTA Huzhou Open Qualifying Predictions
Kristiana Sidorova vs Amy Zhu
Head-to-head: Sidorova 0-2 Zhu
The ranking gap here doesn't tell the full story. Sidorova is ranked nearly 300 spots higher than Zhu, but Zhu has beaten her twice already and clearly has her number. That kind of head-to-head dominance between players at this level usually means something real and on clay there's no reason to think it changes today.
Prediction: Zhu in 3
Hiroko Kuwata vs Meiqi Guo
Head-to-head: Kuwata 0-1 Guo
Guo is ranked nearly 200 places higher and has already beaten Kuwata when they've met before. Hard to see this being competitive at all. Kuwata hasn't shown anything at this level to suggest she can flip the script, and Guo should be comfortable enough on home soil to close it out in two.
Prediction: Guo in 2
Jiaqi Wang vs Peangtarn Plipuech
Head-to-head: Wang 0-1 Plipuech
Wang has the ranking advantage here and the home crowd behind her, and this is the trickiest call of the three. That said, Plipuech has beaten her before, and players ranked in the 700s who still manage wins over higher-ranked opponents tend to have a specific game that works against that opponent. The rain and heavy conditions, which are expected to hang around most of the day, could slow things down and make this a grind, which feels like it suits Plipuech's chances of keeping it close.
Prediction: Plipuech in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Vernon Yuen/Nexpher Images via ZUMA Press Wire