WTA Beijing Day 6 Predictions: Third-Round Picks and Preview

The third round at WTA Beijing is set to conclude on Monday as the China Open begins to separate the genuine contenders from the early-round chaos. It promises to be an entertaining day of tennis in the Chinese capital, with a significant number of the world’s best on the court, including a headline clash that immediately jumps off the page.

As always, we at LWOT are offering our predictions for every match on the slate. The day features a mix of established powerhouses, dangerous underdogs, and intriguing style mismatches, including the anticipated Coco Gauff vs Sun Xinran matchup on the schedule. But as we zoom in on the featured contests, the real questions remain: who has the game to advance, and can the current favorites maintain their rhythm?

Iva Jovic vs Kamilla Rakhimova: American Targets Third Straight Win

Iva Jovic has already been made to work for her place in the WTA Beijing third round, needing two hours and 45 minutes to overcome Harriet Dart after dropping the opening set. Kamilla Rakhimova should offer a different kind of challenge, but Jovic holds a clear advantage in the record book, having beaten the Russian twice, including a three-set win in Dubai earlier this season.

Rakhimova possesses the game to make Jovic uncomfortable, particularly if she can keep the American from dictating play with her forehand. Yet, Jovic’s ability to absorb pace and turn defense into attack has already carried her through plenty of difficult moments this year. The long match against Dart could be a factor, yet Jovic’s matchup history and superior weapons should allow her to make it three wins from three.

Prediction: Jovic in 3

Bouzkova vs Zheng Qinwen: A Battle of Rhythm and Power

This is a fascinating first meeting between two players who can make matches unfold at very different speeds. Marie Bouzkova is at her best when she can extend rallies, frustrate opponents, and force them to create their own openings. In contrast, Zheng Qinwen would much rather shorten the exchanges, relying on her serve and powerful forehand to dictate.

Zheng has already navigated a couple of tough matches at WTA Beijing, advancing when Anna Kalinskaya retired, while Bouzkova had to work through Kimberly Birrell in two tight sets. This leaves some uncertainty around Zheng’s rhythm, and Bouzkova is exactly the type of opponent who can exploit it. Still, if the Chinese star’s first serve is firing, her ability to dictate from the baseline should eventually give her the advantage.

Prediction: Zheng in 3

Charaeva vs Kartal: Bulgarian Seeks to Extend Historic Run

Alina Charaeva arrives with the biggest win of her career after coming from a set down to defeat newly crowned world No. 1 Elena Rybakina. The 24-year-old showed impressive composure in the biggest moments, becoming the lowest-ranked player to come from a set down and beat a world No. 1 since the WTA rankings began in 1975.

Sonay Kartal has plenty of confidence herself after beating Xinyu Wang 6-3 6-2, reaching the third round in Beijing for a second straight year. However, this will be a very different test. Charaeva has already shown she can handle a high-level hard-court battle, and her ability to redirect pace and stay aggressive from the baseline could give the Briton problems. The Briton should make this competitive, but Charaeva has the momentum and belief to keep her run going.

Prediction: Charaeva in 3

Vekic vs Swiatek: Can Power Disrupt the World No. 1?

This is the match that immediately jumps off the page. Donna Vekic has already battled through a three-set win over Lin Zhu, while Iga Swiatek began her Beijing campaign with a controlled 6-2, 6-3 victory over Gao Xinyu. Swiatek also has history here, having won the China Open in 2023.

Vekic has the serve and first-strike power to make this uncomfortable, particularly if she can keep Swiatek from settling into her preferred heavy forehand patterns. But Swiatek’s return game is usually the great equalizer, and her ability to turn defense into attack should put Vekic under pressure in longer exchanges. There is no previous head-to-head to lean on, but Swiatek’s movement and baseline control make her the more complete player in this matchup.

Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Main photo credit: REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz:

Final Thoughts on Day 6

The third round at WTA Beijing offers a compelling snapshot of the tour’s hierarchy. On one side are the established names like Swiatek and Zheng who, despite some early bumps, possess the weapons to dictate play. On the other are challengers like Charaeva and Jovic, who have proven this week that they can handle high-level pressure. For bettors and fans alike, the key will be watching whether the favorites can find their rhythm early or if the momentum of the week belongs to the underdogs.

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