Mar 13, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Clara Tauson (DEN) hits a shot during her third round match against Iga Swiatek (POL) at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
There is more than 18 years of age difference between Clara Tauson and Vera Zvonareva. The Dane is still one of the hottest prospects on the WTA Tour (despite being largely slowed down by injuries), while the former World No. 2 indicates that the class is permanent. Who do you think will enter the quarterfinals of WTA Ningbo?
WTA Ningbo Day 3 Predictions
Nadia Podoroska vs. Valeria Savinykh
Head to head: Savinykh 1-0
Nadia Podoroska is at her best on clay, but she can also be a competent hard-court player. In the opening round, he was able to avenge his loss to the Guangzhou champion, Xiyu Wang. Valeriya Savinykh defeated her in their only meeting so far, but the Argentinian was only 17 years old at the time. Fast forward to 2023 and he may have more quality than the Russian veteran, although Savinykh’s run from qualifying is still quite impressive.
Prediction: Podoroska at 3
Linda Fruhvirtova vs. Anna Blinkova
Head to head: First meeting
Linda Fruhvirtova snapped a nine-game losing streak by defeating Rebeka Masarova in the opening round, albeit via retirement. However, winning for the first time in three months must be a small relief. The young Czech won a title on the WTA Tour this time last year but in the long run, wasn’t ready to be a regular force on the main circuit. Anna Blinkova should be able to reveal that.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2
Sorana Cirstea vs. Katerina Siniakova
Head to head: Cirstea 4-0
Sorana Cirstea has had some impressive runs on hard courts this year, reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open and impressing with two deep runs during the Sunshine Double. It’s like a second prime at the age of 33. Is it a guarantee that she will beat Katerina Siniakova? Certainly not and the lop-sided head-to-head was a bit of a surprise. But with the form of this season it is also impossible not to call him the favorite in this match.
Prediction: Cirstea at 3
Clara Tauson vs. Vera Zvonareva
Head to head: First meeting
It’s about health with Clara Tauson. If 100% fits, the amount of quick power he has is even greater. While the Dane retired in Guangzhou last week, she had a solid performance against Elina Avanesyan here. Vera Zvonareva used to be as high as World No. 2, but he is now 39 years old and past his prime. If Tauson can stay physically fit, its veteran will be in trouble.
Prediction: Year 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin – Oncea-USA TODAY Sports