Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng Prediction: Zheng will fight for a set

In the final of the 2024 WTA Wuhan on 13th October 2024, one mouthwatering encounter is in prospect as current World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka takes on rising Chinese star World No. 7 Qinwen Zheng. Both the players are coming into this match in great form, riding a streak of wins each, and their encounter promises high-intensity tennis. Sabalenka is an aggressive, power-packed player, while Zheng has risen through the ranks with her balanced all-court play and tactical adaptability.

Sabalenka reaches the final after her hard-fought 2-1 win in the semifinals against WTA No. 1 Coco Gauff. She has been in electric form coming into this match, having won 9 of her last 10 matches, with an aggressive baseline game powering her through a number of tough matches. Still, she did look somewhat vulnerable against such a quality opponent as Coco Gauff, most particularly in her first set, which she lost 1-6 before making a strong comeback.

Sabalenka's game is to overpower opponents with her groundstrokes, specifically her forehand. She will, therefore, look to dominate the baseline and push Zheng around the court. She is expected to keep the rallies short and not give Zheng an opportunity to get into rhythm. The serve of Sabalenka can be erratic under pressure. Thus, managing double faults and keeping the first serve percentage high will be of much consequence in this match.

In contrast, Zheng comes into this match having won a more straight-forward 2-0 against fellow countrywoman Wang Xin. She has been more consistent, having won three consecutive sets, having dropped not a single set. Zheng's serve has been a weapon with 8 aces in the semifinal match, complemented by a solid 76% of points won on her first serve.

She will also seek to exploit the vulnerability that Sabalenka showed with her second serve, as Sabalenka won only 32% of her points on second serve in the semifinal. The Zheng Zheng game is based on consistency and movement, which can turn defense into offense. The neutralizing power of Sabalenka will need to come from mixing in heavy topspin and angles, forcing Sabalenka into longer rallies where her fitness and tactical discipline can prevail.

Sabalenka leads 3-0 in the head-to-head, the most recent match played in the quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open when Sabalenka won in straight sets. Since then, Zheng has rapidly evolved, thus being in high eagerness for her first home turf title.

This final is quite a contrast of styles-Sabalenka's explosive power pitted against Zheng's consistency and tactical acumen. Aggressive stance taken, Sabalenka will likely have the advantage in shorter rallies; if Zheng can extend the points-and put pressure on Sabalenka's second serve-the match might well shift in Zheng's favor.

• Aryna Sabalenka Win (-2 5) Games Handicap @ 1.6 Odds
• Q. Zheng to Win a Set @ 1.79 Odds
• Correct Score 2-1 @ 3.75 Odds