The busy Asian swing continues on the opening day at the WTA Wuhan Open. A number of star names will be in action on day one and, as always, we here at LWOT predict all the action. But which players do you think will reach the next round?
WTA Ningbo Day 1 Predictions
Yulia Putintseva vs Yuliia Starodubtseva
Head-to-head: first meeting
This tournament is one of Yulia Putintseva’s final chances to salvage something from a terrible year. After a career-best 2024, she has tumbled down the rankings this season. Yulia Starodubtseva had lost three consecutive matches before winning twice in the WTA Wuhan qualifying to reach the main draw and, although she lost in the first round, those wins will surely have given her some confidence heading into WTA Ningbo. Right now, it is hard to trust Putintseva to handle her opponent’s power, which was one of her biggest strengths last year.
Prediction: Starodubtseva in 3
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Aliaksandra Sasnovich vs Zeynep Sonmez
Head-to-head: Sonmez 2-1 Sasnovich
There will be several lengthy rallies between two players who do not hit with overwhelming pace. In the conditions in Ningbo, Zeynep Sonmez is probably slightly better equipped to turn attack into defence than her opponent. Do not be surprised if this goes to the wire, though with Aliaksandra Sasnovich a good enough player to test Sonmez.
Prediction: Sonmez in 3
Belinda Bencic vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Bencic 1-0 Linette
Belinda Bencic was competitive against the Wuhan Open champion Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek in her last two defeats. Which means that whilst it has been a slightly disappointing Asian swing for Bencic, there are positives to take. More to the point, if the Swiss player is near that level against Magda Linette, she will win. The pair’s playing styles, baseline hitters with particularly excellent backhands, are similar, but Bencic’s ceiling is higher than the Pole’s.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Diana Shnaider vs Wang Xiyu
Head-to-head: Wang 2-0 Shnaider
Diana Shnaider failed to win a set in her two previous meetings against Wang Xiyu. This year’s champion in Monterrey struggled to time her backhand against Wang’s heavy, left-handed, topspin forehand. However, she remains a better player who underperformed in their other matches. Shnaider losing three consecutive times to a lower-ranked opponent would be surprising.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
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Sofia Kenin vs McCartney Kessler
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both women’s results have been solid, if unspectacular, in the Asian swing. Although Sofia Kenin’s best tennis is superior, her compatriot’s results in the last 12 months have been better. The tactically astute McCartney Kessler will pepper Kenin’s forehand as often as possible. If she stays solid, the former Grand Slam champion has a habit of becoming impatient and imploding.
Prediction: Kessler in 3
Main photo credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
