WTA Wuhan Day 4 predictions, including Gauff vs Kostyuk

Matches at the WTA Wuhan Open remain packed and all round of 16 contests will be played on day four, with a number of stars set to be in action. As always, we here at LWOT are predicting every match on Day 4, including Jessica Pegula vs. Xinyu Wang. But who will make it to the quarterfinals?

WTA Wuhan Day 4 Predictions

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs. Hailey Baptiste

Head-to-head: first meeting

Both players managed surprises to reach this stage. Hailey Baptiste beat Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets, while Ekaterina Alexandrova defeated Anna Kalinskaya. This match will likely be a close one as both women have strong serves but weaker returns. Despite Baptiste's excellent performance in the final round, I have a little more confidence in Alexandrova to maintain her concentration better in what is expected to be a close match.

Prediction: Alexandrova in 3rd
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Zheng Qinwen vs. Leylah Fernandez

Head-to-head: Fernandez 2-0 Zheng

Leylah Fernandez won an epic and physical battle in three sets against Kamilla Rakhimova in the preliminary round. The Canadian is one of the fitter players on the WTA Tour but it could still be a challenge to recover. Winning both previous meetings with Zheng will give Fernandez a boost. However, one of them occurred in 2022 when Zheng Qinwen was a significantly inferior player and the Olympic gold medalist played very poorly in his match in Doha in February. Fernandez's ability to win the ball early could particularly attack Zheng's forehand, but the Chinese player is still the favorite in home conditions.

Prediction: Zheng in 3

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Yulia Putintseva

Head-to-head: Putintseva 1-0 Sabalenka

This is a significant match in Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek's race for first place. Should the Belarusian defeat Putintseva, she is guaranteed to overtake Swiatek a week after the tournament ends in Wuhan. Can the Kazakhstanis prevent this? The 29-year-old has beaten Swiatek and Jessica Pegula this year, and her diversity could cause problems for Sabalenka. She also defeated the world No. 2 in their only meeting, albeit in 2019. Sabalenka is the favorite but one can expect the match to be closely contested.

Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Coco Gauff vs. Marta Kostyuk

Head-to-head: Gauff 2:1 Kostyuk

These two played one of the most underrated games of 2024 in their last meeting. Marya Kostyuk won a dramatic battle 3:6, 6:4, 7:6 (8:6) on the sand hall courts in Stuttgart. Coco Gauff won her other two matches, but also went beyond three sets. Thanks to Kostyuk's strong second serve return and ability to consistently hit the American's forehand, she can exploit Gauff's weaknesses when the 20-year-old struggles. Gauff's greater firepower and recent form could give her an advantage, but this should once again be an enjoyable match between two of the best athletes in the women's game.

Prediction: Gauff in 3

Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports