The Asian swing moves to Beijing this week, where the WTA Masters event brings together some intriguing first-round battles. With the season winding down, players are balancing fatigue with the chance to earn valuable ranking points. Hard courts in Beijing often reward clean ball-striking and movement, which could shape the outcome of several matchups in the opening round. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
WTA Beijing Day 1 Predictions
Anastasia Sevastova vs Kimberly Birrell
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Sevastova is still working her way back after her time away, but her mix of spins and angles remains as tricky as ever. Birrell, who leans on resilience and counterpunching, has not found much consistent success in recent months. If Sevastova can dictate with her court craft, she has the tools to disrupt Birrell’s rhythm, though the Australian’s tenacity may keep her competitive.
Prediction: Sevastova in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-Head: Maria 3–0 Bouzkova
Maria’s slice-heavy, all-court style makes her a difficult opponent to pin down, especially in quicker conditions. Bouzkova’s defensive skills and movement, however, mean she is well equipped to extend rallies and test Maria’s patience. Their past matches have been competitive, and while Maria’s variety could frustrate, Bouzkova’s ability to absorb pressure may tilt things in her favor.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Katie Boulter vs Hailey Baptiste
Head-to-Head: Boulter 1–0 Baptiste
Boulter has built momentum this season with her powerful baseline game and improved composure on hard courts. Baptiste brings explosiveness and athleticism, often able to turn points around quickly with her shot-making. Both are capable of streaky play, and while Boulter’s experience might steady her in key moments, Baptiste’s aggressive style makes this a contest with little margin for error.
Prediction: Boulter in 2
Barbora Krejcikova vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-Head: Krejcikova 2–0 Blinkova
Krejcikova has shown flashes of brilliance this season, most notably with her Wimbledon triumph, but consistency has often been missing. Blinkova, on the other hand, has made her best impact on hard courts when she finds rhythm, though she has lacked Krejcikova’s big-stage results. With her variety and improved consistency of late, Krejcikova looks well positioned, though Blinkova’s baseline steadiness ensures it may not all be straightforward.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
