Eight WTA Jiujiang matches are scheduled for Day 1. French Open quarterfinalist Yulia Putintseva will try to end her season on a high note with a good run at the Chinese tournament. We at LWOT predict four of the matches, including Yuliia Starodubtseva vs Zheng Wushuang, in a separate article. But who will advance?
WTA Jiujiang Day 1 Predictions
Alina Korneeva vs Hanyu Guo
Head-to-head: First meeting
18-year-old Korneeva, despite being so young, is a better player than Guo at her best. Playing the Chinese player in front of a home crowd will be something she needs to navigate in this one. Unfortunately for the spectators, Guo has not played well recently, and I think the teenager can handle this challenge.
Prediction: Korneeva in 2
Dominka Salkova vs Aliona Falei
Head-to-head: First meeting
This has the makings of a close battle between two 21-year-olds looking to make a breakthrough. Salkova is slightly more talented, but Falei’s best chance in this matchup is on a hard court. Salkova’s superior natural ability makes me back her, but this could go either way.
Prediction: Salkova in 3
Ella Seidel vs Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah
Head-to-head: First meeting
Seidel has played very well during the Asian swing, winning five main draw matches, including two at last week’s tournament in Guangzhou. Her French opponent will probably need to play near-perfectly. If Seidel gets near her level from recent weeks, she can win this match regardless of what Rakotomanga Rajaonah does.
Prediction: Seidel in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva
Head-to-head: First meeting
This event is Putintseva’s last chance to salvage something positive from 2025. The Kazakhstani has endured a terrible year, tumbling down the rankings after an excellent 2024. There will be many lengthy rallies between two players who do not hit their groundstrokes with overwhelming force. Despite her struggles, I believe Putintseva’s variety and athleticism will prove enough to register at least one more win before the off-season.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA TODAY Sports