Qinwen Zheng vs Donna Vekic Prediction: Qinwen Zheng has a better chance

The Round of 16 match between Qinwen Zheng and Donna Vekić in the US Open has all the makings of a mouth-watering match, with both players in superb form coming into this match. In terms of their styles and forms, the strategies pursued will be quite important as they go head-to-head for a place in the quarterfinals. Let's go into their form, tactical approaches, and make a prediction for this exciting matchup.

Qinwen Zheng (WTA #7)

Qinwen Zheng has been rising up the ranks pretty quickly, marked by many as one of the most dangerous players on the WTA tour. Quite impressively, she has made this run into the Round of 16 at the US Open with hard-fought victories over Amanda Anisimova and Erika Andreeva, which were followed by an easy win against Jule Niemeier. Zheng's game is around powerful groundstrokes from the baseline, with a strong forehand that can make her dominate from there. A strong serve that has seen her through some crucial points under pressure also describes her as a player. She is currently in tremendous form: 9-1 in her last 10 matches, having won the last four sets consecutively, something that speaks volumes about her condition as a player.

The 19-year-old will most likely try to impose herself from the back using her potent forehand to control rallies.

Given Vekić is a very good defender and counterpuncher, Zheng should remain patient and selective with the shots to be made without yielding to unnecessary errors. Again, much emphasis will be put on her serving in order for her to get free points and set up the balls short to finish the points quickly. This may also work to Zheng's advantage, moving Vekić around laterally on the court, testing her lateral movement, and making her uncomfortable.

Donna Vekić (WTA 24)

Donna Vekić is an experienced campaigner, known for her solidity and hardness on court. Thus far, she has been faultless at this year's US Open-a set dropped in her wins over Kimberly Birrell, Greet Minnen, and Peyton Stearns. Consistency and changes of pace are hallmarks of a Vekić game that can keep opponents guessing. She has a solid all-court game: an attested serve and effective groundstrokes, especially her backhand. Confidence will be high with Vekić, who is on a six-set winning streak and has won eight of her last 10 matches.

Vekić would want to break into Zheng's rhythm by varying her placements and pace, for which she might use Zheng's backhand-a less powerful side-to her advantage by drawing her into long rallies where Zheng might be tempted into mistakes. The serve of Vekić will also need to find consistency as getting into easy points will only allow Zheng to attack. A further plan could be that Vekić might utilize her backhand slice and drop shots to draw Zheng into the net, where she is least comfortable, and open up the court for passing shots.

Expert Betting Tips

This is a finely poised matchup with both players coming into the match in excellent form and playing styles that are in contrast to each other. While Zheng has the power and momentum of form, the experience and tactical malleability of Vekić could pose significant challenges. Zheng leads narrowly in the head-to-head record, including their most recent encounter at the Paris Olympics in straight sets. That match was played on a different surface, and conditions at the US Open may allow Vekić to be much more competitive.

It should be a great contest between Zheng and Vekić, where the result may come down to a few critical points. With her power, Zheng has the advantage, but the consistent game and experience of Vekić will keep her in the match throughout. The fans can look forward to a closely contested fight full of momentum swings.

• Qinwen Zheng Win and Over 19.5 Games @ 2.24 Odds
• Donna Vekic to Win a Set @ 1.65 Odds
• Total Sets 3 @ 2.25 Odds