Qinwen Zheng vs Wang Xin Prediction: A straightforward victory for Zheng

The Wuhan Open 2024's all-Chinese WTA semifinal bout between Qinwen Zheng (WTA 7) and Wang Xin (WTA 51) faces off with the two protagonists going into it in outstanding shape.

Qinwen Zheng enters at number 7 in the world for this match-up with some good consistency, having taken eight of her last ten matches and coming in on a three-match win streak that included the three-set hard-fought win against Jasmine Paolini.

Able to hit with considerable power off the ground, and a winner off both wings, Zheng will look to control this match from the back of the court. Her serve-especially those 10 aces against- could prove a significant weapon. She did, however, serve only 59% of her first serves in, so she may have some consistency work to do there. The most important thing for Zheng will be to keep pressuring Wang's serve-not let her get too many free points-and try to finish off the points quickly rather than getting into extended rallies where Wang might have the edge.

This will be the first meeting at this level. Having the edge of both rankings and form, Zheng will have an interesting time versus Wang's recent run of results. Be it as it may, while both players fared extraordinarily well in home soil, the psychological factor could determine who handled the pressure better.

Wang's game is based on consistent shot-making and the ability to absorb pace, which could trouble Zheng if she isn't striking cleanly. Wang’s ability to convert 5 break points against Alexandrova shows her opportunistic nature on return. However, her 6 double faults and a second serve winning percentage of 49% may make her vulnerable against a strong returner like Zheng. Wang will need to focus on improving her serve and rely on her counterpunching to keep Zheng on the back foot.

Zheng's power-athleticism combination should prove to be the telling factor, especially if she continues to serve at such a high level. How much she takes advantage of Wang's second serve could provide the final contrast. Aiming for that, Zheng will probably be ultra-aggressive from the outset, seeking to overpower Wang.

She has, however, shown the ability to hold her own and come away with some very tight matches, like in her three-set victory over Alexandrova. If she can stay strong from the baseline and take advantage of Zheng's inconsistency with her first serve, she is capable of extending this match into a third set.

• Correct Score 2-0 @ 1.64 Odds
• Qinwen Zheng (-4.5) Games Handicap @ 1.65 Odds
• Correct Score 2-0 @ 1.61 Odds