Coco Gauff’s former doubles partner Caty McNally continues her WTA Guangzhou campaign on day four against two-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist Ajla Tomljanovic. This article predicts four of the eight Round of 16 matches. We at LWOT predict the rest of the action, including Yulia Putintseva vs. Ella Seidel, separately.
WTA Guangzhou Day 4 Predictions
Lulu Sun vs. Yafan Wang
Face to face: first meeting
Sun played very well to defeat No. 1 seed Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-6 7-6. The New Zealander will have even more control in the exchanges against an opponent who does not strike with an overwhelming pace. Although Wang is good at getting results and frustrating the bigger hitters, I think Sun will have enough to take on this challenge.
Prediction: Sun in 2
Claire Liu vs. Anna Bondar
Face to face: first meeting
Both women competed in the two most exciting matches of the tournament so far. Bondar beat Hanyu Guo in a decisive tiebreak, while Liu recovered to beat Miami Open semi-finalist Alexandra Eala. Although every fight was dramatic, Liu played much better against Eala than Bondar did against Guo. Despite the Hungarian’s better overall resume, I like Liu’s chances with her aggressive style.
Prediction: Liu in 3
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Shuai Zhang vs. Veronika Erjavec
Face to face: first meeting
Zhang, 36, had not played singles consistently this year until the Asian swing, but she put in some impressive performances, including beating Emma Navarro and Sorana Cirstea in Wuhan. The veteran’s best level would be enough to win this match if she finds it. Erjavec doesn’t have the same tennis IQ, although she is a fighter with a great attitude, which gives her some hope.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Caty McNally vs. Ajla Tomljanovic
Head to head: McNally 1-0 Tomljanovic
Tomljanovic defeated No. 5 seed Alycia Parks in the first round. It was the American’s eighth straight loss without winning a set, making the victory slightly less impressive. McNally will try to destabilize the Australian by coming to the net and mixing up the pace. This doesn’t sit well with Tomljanovic, who is most gifted at outplaying his opponents. I think McNally will apply enough pressure to prevail.
Prediction: McNally in 3
Main photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
