It should be an entertaining opening day of WTA Jiujiang action. Players will make one last push this week before taking a break in the offseason. We at LWOT split the matches on the slate, including Yulia Putintseva vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva, between two articles. Which players do you expect to win?

WTA Jiujiang Day 1 Predictions
Anna Bondar vs Sijia Wei

Head-to-head: Bondar 1-0 Wei

These two played less than two weeks ago at a WTA 125K tournament in Jinan. Bondar won that match in straight sets and reached the final of that event. She has also enjoyed a much better overall Asian swing than the home favorite in Jiujiang. The Hungarian’s superior recent form and more impressive overall CV make her the favorite.

Prediction: Bondar in 2

Polina Kudermetova vs Tamara Korpatsch

Head-to-head: First meeting

Korpatsch will try to stifle Kudermetova with her awkward playing style. The 22-year-old is an aggressive player who is most dangerous when she plays with rhythm. I think the German’s game suits frustrating Kudermetova, who is not among the mentally strongest players. That could prove decisive.

Prediction: Korpatsch in 3

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Anastasia Zakharova vs Ena Shibahara

Head-to-head: First meeting

Shibahara has not won a main draw match at a WTA 250 level or higher tournament in almost eight months. Zakharova’s recent form is also not overly impressive, but still better than her opponent’s. The Japanese player does not possess much power and will try to grind out a victory. After so long without a win and against a clean striker like Zakharova, that seems unlikely.

Prediction: Zakharova in 2

Yuliia Starodubtseva vs Wushuang Zheng

Head-to-head: First meeting

Starodubtseva’s best level is much superior to Zheng’s. The local player has no chance of winning this match without the Ukrainian being far below her best. Although Starodubtseva is inconsistent, she can play slightly within herself and still triumph here. I expect her to navigate this challenge successfully.

Prediction: Starodubtseva in 2

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports