WTA Elite Trophy 2023: Jelena Ostapenko vs Qinwen Zheng preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (3) Jelena Ostapenko vs (7) Qinwen Zheng
Date: October 26, 2023.
Tournament: WTA Elite Trophy 2023.
Round: Group Stage
Venue: Hengqin International Tennis Center, Zhuhai, China.
Category: Year-End Championships
Surface: Hardcourt.
Prize money: $2,409,000
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - TSN | UK - Amazon Prime
Jelena Ostapenko vs Qinwen Zheng preview
Third seed Jelena Ostapenko will square off against Qinwen Zheng in the group-stage match of the WTA Elite Trophy on Friday.
Ostapenko has had a promising season so far, chalking up 36 wins from 56 matches and a title-winning run at the Birmingham Classic. She also reached the semifinals at the Italian Open in Rome.
The Lativian will enter the WTA Elite Trophy on the back of a quarterfinal finish at the China Open and a first-round exit at the Korea Open.
Wildcard Da-yeon Back stunned her in a close three-set contest, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4). Ostapenko will be hoping to make amends and bounce back in Zhuhai.
Meanwhile, Qinwen Zheng has amassed 34 wins from 52 matches and title-winning runs at the Palermo Ladies Open and the Zhengzhou Open. She also reached the semifinals at the Abu Dhabi Open and the quarterfinals at the 2023 US Open.
The Chinese player captured her second title of the season in Zhengzhou. She defeated the likes of Maria Sakkari, Anhelina Kalinina, and Jasmine Paolini en route to the finals and then outclassed Barbora Krejcikova in three sets to lift the title. Zheng will be hoping to continue her good form in Zhuhai.
Jelena Ostapenko vs Qinwen Zheng head-to-head
Zheng leads the head-to-head battle against Ostapenko 2-0. She defeated the Lativian most recently at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Open.
Jelena Ostapenko vs Qinwen Zheng odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Jelena Ostapenko vs Qinwen Zheng prediction
Jelena Ostapenko and Qinwen Zheng are set to clash in an exciting group stage match at the 2023 WTA Elite Trophy. Both players have had modest seasons so far and will be eager to secure a victory in this crucial encounter.
Ostapenko, the third seed, is known for her aggressive and powerful playing style. Her booming groundstrokes and fearless shot-making have earned her success on the tour.
She will look to dictate play with her powerful forehand and go for winners whenever possible. The Lativian's ability to hit winners from any position on the court can put her opponents under immense pressure.
On the other hand, Qinwen Zheng has displayed impressive consistency and versatility throughout the season. Her solid baseline game and ability to construct points strategically make her a formidable opponent.
Zheng's defensive skills and counterpunching abilities allow her to absorb pace and redirect shots with precision. She will aim to frustrate Ostapenko by returning her powerful shots with depth and accuracy.
In terms of head-to-head record, Zheng holds a 2-0 advantage over Ostapenko, having defeated her most recently at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Open.
This could give her an added mental edge going into the match. However, it's important to note that Ostapenko will be determined to turn the tables and secure a win.
Considering the Latvian's aggressive playing style and her desire to bounce back from recent disappointments, she is the favorite to win this match. If she can find her rhythm and maintain consistency, her powerful shots could prove too much for Zheng to handle.
The Chinese player will enter the match high on confidence and will present a tough challenge for Ostapenko, but the third seed should be able to outlast her opponent and come out on top.
Pick: Ostapenko to win in three sets.