By Tony FairbairnIga Swiatek [8] v Donna Vekic [30]Elina Svitolina [6] v Maria Sakkari [25]Belinda Bencic [9] v Ann Li [21]BEIJING, CHINA – Iga Swiatek will look to avoid being the latest seed to suffer a shock exit as she takes on Donna Vekic in Beijing.
Iga Swiatek [8] v Donna Vekic [30] H2H & Match FundamentalsIga Swiatek [8] v Donna Vekic [30]H2H: Swiatek leads 4-0WTA Beijing 2026Beijing, ChinaHard (O)Prize Money: $61,865First on Capital Group Diamond (04:00 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
It’s been a mixed and inconsistent season for Iga Swiatek. There have been highs and lows for the Pole who hasn’t been able to maintain a consistent run of results at the big tournaments. The eighth seed will be boosted this week though by the shock exits of Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. The Pole will believe this is her time to win a big event and boost her chances of reaching the WTA Finals. The question is does Swiatek have the quality in the pressure moments to make those ambitions a reality?
The next challenge will be to take on 30th seed Donna Vekic. After winning an Olympic silver medal as well as reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2024, it’s been a rough last couple of years for Vekic. The Croatian has failed to make an impression and has struggled to break into the latter stages of tournaments. On her day, Vekic has the quality and confidence to execute a game plan against the best players in the world and will be looking to do the same in suitable conditions in Beijing.
Swiatek will use the forehand to dictate play as the return will be crucial for the Pole in this match. Meanwhile, Vekic will serve aggressively and will use the backhand to pin Swiatek behind the baseline. This will be a tough match for Swiatek but the Pole should have enough quality to reach the last 16.
Prediction: Swiatek in straight sets.
Elina Svitolina [6] v Maria Sakkari [25] H2H & Match FundamentalsElina Svitolina [6] v Maria Sakkari [25]H2H: Svitolina leads 3-2WTA Beijing 2026Beijing, ChinaHard (O)Prize Money: $61,865Fourth on Lotus (09:30 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
A three set win for Elina Svitolina as she moved into the third round in Beijing after battling past doubles world number one Katerina Siniakova. It’s been a great season from Svitolina who has produced aggressive and consistent tennis in order to get back inside the world’s top ten and return to tennis’ elite. The Ukrainian has displayed clinical tennis on return and proactive tennis on serve. Now, Svitolina aims to maintain a high standard of play as she looks to finish the season strongly.
In the third round, Svitolina will renew her rivalry with Maria Sakkari. It will be a sixth career meeting between the two players as Sakkari has found her confidence to return where she belongs. The Greek will still feel that she can achieve more consistent and better Grand Slam results as she has continued to disappoint at that level. A powerful and accurate style of play will hope to take Sakkari further up the rankings as she will continue to develop her game in the bid for more consistency.
Svitolina will be aggressive on the second serve return and will approach the net to shorten the points. Meanwhile, Sakkari will aim to serve aggressively and will use the backhand to pin Svitolina behind the baseline. This should be a thrilling contest with Svitolina edging through once again.
Prediction: Svitolina in three sets.
Belinda Bencic [9] v Ann Li [21] H2H & Match FundamentalsBelinda Bencic [9] v Ann Li [21]H2H: Li leads 1-0 WTA Beijing 2026 Beijing, ChinaHard (O)Prize Money: $61,865Third on Lotus (Not before 08:00 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
It’s been a decent season for Belinda Bencic who had some good wins at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. However, Bencic has struggled since picking up an injury in Toronto and is now hoping to end the season for some consistently good performances. The ninth seed will look to be aggressive and proactive as she looks to thrive on the fast hard courts of Beijing.
Next up for Bencic is American Ann Li. The 26 year-old has had some decent wins this year and is playing aggressive and consistent tennis. Although, Li doesn’t have the biggest game what she does have is good court craft and intelligent usage of angles. Now, Li will hope to bring that tennis to Beijing as she looks to secure a second consecutive win over Bencic.
Bencic will be aggressive on the first serve and will use the forehand to dictate the pace of the rallies. Meanwhile Li will be aggressive on return and will use the backhand to force Bencic into uncomfortable positions on the court. This will be a close contest decided by fine margins but Bencic will have too much firepower for the American.
Prediction: Bencic in three sets.
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