Karolina Muchova vs Qinwen Zheng Prediction: Qinwen Zheng to start strong

For the WTA Beijing Semifinals, 49th-ranked Karolina Muchová goes up against the fast-improving Chinese star Qinwen Zheng, currently ranking 7th. The meeting of the two in-form players is really going to be mouth-watering, with Muchová recently defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng barely avoiding defeat at the hands of teenager Mirra Andreeva. Both are performing at their best, and hence, this contest turns out to be an event not to be missed in Beijing.

Muchová has been one of the most in-form players on tour in recent months and enters this match riding a 9-1 record in her last 10, including some big wins over top players. Muchová's game is very much premised on all-round ability: excellent touch at the net, consistent serves, and tactical acumen on court. She proved her mettle against Sabalenka in a tough win where she showed resilience and shot variety, especially in key moments.

Muchová can mix things up well with spins, slices, and drop shots to get in the way of Zheng's rhythm from the back.

Muchová, meanwhile, will look to reach the net for some deft volleys as always, in trying to make Zheng hurry and shorten the rallies.

Given Zheng's penchant for aggressive play, Muchová might cash in on extended points by forcing unforced errors as her opponent over-commits.

On the other side, Zheng extends her breakthrough season with an 8-2 mark in her last ten matches. The Chinese star has been very strong at the baseline with a very aggressive style. She knits together a strong serving display with heavy groundstrokes, especially on her forehand side. That tough mentality came through in her last against Andreeva where, after a disastrous second set, she managed to get up and win in three.

The fact that Zheng won 69% of first serve points reflects that the winner of most service games is likely to win the match.

All in all, Zheng's powerful groundstrokes, particularly off her forehand, will be important in keeping Muchová behind her.

Zheng will look to dictate the rallies early, considering Muchová's all-court plays, striking winners before Muchová can deploy her full defensive repertoire.

Muchová comes into this semifinal brimming with confidence and after toppling current world No. 1 Sabalenka. The latest match showed that she has stamina, tactical awareness, and the mental toughness to outlast the best in tight situations. Her 87% success rate on second serves and strong net play will be critical against such an aggressive baseliner as Zheng. The only possible concern for Muchová could be that she is liable to Zheng's heavy groundstrokes, especially on a fast court where Zheng can get quick points.

Meanwhile, Zheng had the added pressure of playing in front of her home crowd, but she has risen to that pressure throughout the tournament. Her match against Andreeva was a real tale of two extremes as she showed both the weaknesses in her game and how she could mentally rebound. The 56% success rate Zheng had on second-serve returns, combined with her aggressive mindset, could prove difficult for Muchová to operate effectively if she can impose her game early.

• Over 20.5 Games @ 1.6 Odds
• Qinwen Zheng Wins First Set @ 2.00 Odds
• Karolina Muchova Win Match @ 1.66 Odds