Shuai Zhang vs Paula Badosa Prediction & Picks - WTA China Open

Prediction published on 10/2/24, 7:18 PM  by Lou Aguila | Modified on 10/2/24 at 7:23 PM in Tennis Picks

The 2024 China Open has served as a platform for the 35-year-old Zhang Shuai to reintroduce herself to a new generation of tennis fans after putting together a terrific campaign that has sent her to the quarterfinal round against Paula Badosa of Spain. Will the support of the Chinese fans continue to push Zhang deeper into the tournament? A two-time singles quarterfinalist, Zhang is presented with an opportunity to reach the final of a WTA 1000 event, if she can clear a couple more opponents along the way. The Chinese has racked up four impressive straight-set wins, defeating McCartney Kessler 7-6(5) 7-6(1), Emma Navarro 6-4 6-2, Greetje Minnen 6-2 6-3 and Magdalena Frech 6-4 6-2. Zhang has been breaking opponents serves at a very rate in this tourney. In her fourth-round match with Frech, Zhang converted 6 of 12 breakpoint chances while winning 36 return points. Meanwhile, Badosa pulled off an impressive win against US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula 6-2 7-5 in the fourth round. The Spaniard played superb tennis throughout the match, winning 95 percent of her first serves and converting 5 out of 5 breakpoint chances. Badosa, who reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open, is seeking her second hard-court title this year after ruling over the Citi Washington Open in August.