Three picks from the second round of the WTA China Open today, and there's at least one result here that could turn some heads. Let's get into it.
WTA China Open Predictions
Janice Tjen vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: First meeting
Shnaider has been one of the more exciting players on tour this year and at 14 in the world she's in a completely different tier to Tjen right now. Tjen has had a decent run to get here but this is a big step up, and Shnaider on hard courts is a difficult assignment for anyone, let alone a player ranked 49th in the world.
I think Shnaider drops a set just because she can be a bit streaky, but she gets through this comfortably enough.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Karolina Muchova vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: Muchova 2-0 Boulter
Muchova leads the head-to-head 2-0, and Boulter hasn't really found a way to deal with her variety. Muchova's ability to change pace and direction mid-rally makes her awkward for someone like Boulter, who prefers things a bit more straightforward and fast. Boulter is a solid hard-court player and she'll compete but Muchova is ranked 8th for a reason and this surface suits her well.
Muchova wins this, probably needing three sets because that's just how her matches tend to go.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Jasmine Paolini vs Daria Snigur
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is the interesting one. Paolini had a brilliant 2024 but she's ranked 20th now and hasn't looked quite like herself in recent months, and Snigur at 46 is more than capable of making life difficult. Snigur is a big hitter who can overwhelm players on hard courts when she's on, and first meetings always add a layer of uncertainty.
That said, picking against Paolini always feels risky given how competitive she is. But the numbers say Snigur here, and I can see it, all things considered.
Prediction: Snigur in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Marcin Cholewinski/ZUMA Press Wire