Hong Kong Open 2024: Simona Halep vs Yuan Yue preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (WC) Simona Halep vs (6) Yuan Yue
Date: 28 October, 2024
Tournament: Hong Kong Open 2024
Round: First-round (Round of 32)
Venue: Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Category: WTA 250
Surface: Hardcourt (Outdoor)
Prize Money: $267,082
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky UK | Canada - DAZN
Simona Halep vs Yuan Yue preview
Wildcard Simona Halep will square off against sixth seed Yuan Yue in a highly anticipated first-round clash at the 2024 Hong Kong Open on Monday, October 28.
Halep made her WTA tour comeback this year at the Miami Open after a long absence due to a doping ban. In her first match upon return, she pushed Paula Badosa to three sets before falling 1-6, 6-4, 6-3.
A subsequent knee injury kept her sidelined until October when she competed at the Hong Kong 125 Open. There, she won a tight three-set battle against Arina Rodionova in the first round but was defeated decisively by Anna Blinkova in the subsequent round.
Yuan Yue, in contrast, has enjoyed a fairly successful season so far, compiling a 28-25 record. She claimed her first career title at the ATX Open, defeating compatriot Wang Xinyu in the final. Her strong form also saw her reach the semifinals in Hobart and the quarterfinals at Indian Wells, Rouen, and Monterrey.
Yuan last competed at the Guangzhou Open as the third seed. She beat Greet Minnen in her opener but was upset by Thai qualifier Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the next round.
Simona Halep vs Yuan Yue head-to-head
Simona Halep and Yuan Yue are yet to face off professionally so their head-to-head is currently locked at 0-0.
Simona Halep vs Yuan Yue odds
(Odds to be added once available)
Simona Halep vs Yuan Yue prediction
Simona Halep has only played four matches this year, holding a 1-3 record. She now faces an additional challenge as she takes to her least-preferred surface, the hardcourts.
Yuan Yue, meanwhile, had a strong start to the season but has recently struggled with consistency, failing to secure back-to-back wins since October. Most of her success this year has come on the hardcourts and she will look to extend that positive match record.
With Halep looking to regain form and Yuan seeking consistency, this opening-round clash is expected to be highly competitive. Yuan’s stronger season and Halep’s limited time on the court this year, however, could give the Chinese sixth seed the edge.
Pick: Yuan to win in straight sets.