By Tony FairbairnJelena Ostapenko [24] v Paula BadosaAnna Kalinskaya [15] v Qinwen Zheng [WC]Elina Svitolina [6] v Katerina SiniakovaBEIJING, CHINA – Jelena Ostapenko will take on Paula Badosa in a blockbuster second round showdown in Beijing.
Jelena Ostapenko [24] v Paula Badosa H2H & Match FundamentalsJelena Ostapenko [24] v Paula BadosaH2H: Ostapenko leads 3-2WTA Beijing 2026Beijing, ChinaHard (O)Prize Money: $36,110Second on HSBC Moon (05:30 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
There can be no more inconsistency for Jelena Ostapenko. The Latvian will be disappointed with recent performances and results after a decent clay and grass court season. The former Roland Garros champion is capable of so much better and more consistent tennis as she has proven that her firepower can beat the best players in the world. Now, Ostapenko will target a big end to the season and will look to show that she can make a deep run in Beijing as she reignites an old rivalry.
A sixth career meeting with Paula Badosa now awaits for Ostapenko as the Spaniard has rejuvenated her form. After dealing with a handful of injuries that seemingly derailed her progress, a couple of exceptional runs on the European clay have got her back on track and now in confident spirits. However, Badosa will now have to bring that form and confidence to the big events and that bid will start with a big win in Beijing as well as a deep run in the tournament.
Ostapenko will use the forehand to create angles on the court and dictate play from inside the baseline. Meanwhile, Badosa will use the backhand to turn defence into attack and dictate play on return. This should be a fascinating contest with Badosa outlasting an inconsistent and erratic Ostapenko.
Prediction: Badosa in three sets.
Anna Kalinskaya [15] v Qinwen Zheng [WC] H2H & Match FundamentalsAnna Kalinskaya [15] v Qinwen Zheng [WC]H2H: Tied at 1-1WTA Beijing 2026Beijing, ChinaHard (O)Prize Money: $36,110Third on Capital Group Diamond (07:30 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
It’s been a great season from Anna Kalinskaya who has displayed some immaculate tennis. The 15th seed has produced some deep runs this season including a Roland Garros quarter-final and a run to the fourth round of the US Open. However, Kalinskaya will feel with her potential and quality she should be doing slightly better than that. There is no better time to prove that then now as Kalinskaya targets an outstanding end to the season in order to have momentum heading into next season.
A seismic test awaits Kalinskaya next in the form of Olympic gold medallist Qinwen Zheng who will be keen to perform on home soil. The wildcard has struggled with injuries and form as she was seeking a big turnaround in confidence as well as a jump in the rankings. However, a massive run to the US Open quarter-finals as a qualifier has boosted Zheng’s confidence and she will be hoping she can build on that with a deep run on home soil and seek more progress in the world rankings.
Kalinskaya is aiming to serve aggressively and take the forehand early in order to pin Zheng behind the baseline. Meanwhile Zheng will use variety and power to force errors from Kalinskaya’s game. This will be a tough test for Kalinskaya and Zheng’s mix of tactical variety and power may prove too much here both on serve and return.
Prediction: Zheng in three sets.
Elina Svitolina [6] v Katerina Siniakova H2H & Match FundamentalsElina Svitolina [6] v Katerina SiniakovaH2H: Svitolina leads 5-0 WTA Beijing 2026 Beijing, ChinaHard (O)Prize Money: $36,110Second on Brad Drewett (05:30 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
It’s been a strong and consistent season for Elina Svitolina. The Ukrainian has won Rome, reached the Roland Garros quarter-finals and led her country to the Billie Jean King Cup Final. That is a well-rounded year for Svitolina who continues to show her experience and intelligence to produce consistent results. The sixth seed will hope that continues as she searches for a deep run in Beijing.
In the next round Svitolina will aim to win a sixth consecutive match against Katerina Siniakova. The doubles world number one has struggled to bring her form from the doubles court into the singles court. There has been some inconsistent performances at times as she has struggled to rise up the rankings. Now, Siniakova will be hoping that can improve as she looks to end the season on a high note and with consistency.
Svitolina will use the backhand from the baseline to dictate play from the back of the court. Meanwhile, Siniakova will use the forehand to pin Svitolina behind the baseline as she looks to finish off points at the net. This will be a tough match for Svitolina but the Ukrainian should have enough to secure the win.
Prediction: Svitolina in three sets.
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