Many expected Aryna Sabalenka to play Ons Jabeur for a spot in the US Open semi-final, but she'll play Qinwen Zheng, who upset the Tunisian.
To be fair, it's not a huge deal because we saw Sabalenka play Jabeur at Wimbledon and at Cincinnati recently. That was a strange match, one which Sabalenka controlled until she crumbled in a weird way. It cost her a chance to play in the final, which was the goal, and perhaps she's glad to avoid Jabeur this time around.
In any case, her thrashing of Kasatkina booked the matchup against Zheng. It's one that we haven't seen before but it should be quite interesting because Zheng can certainly surprise anyone on the WTA Tour. There is potential there and we'll her hear name in the future.
Head-to-head:
We haven't seen Sabalenka and Zheng play before, which isn't unusual. The Chinese player has been on this level for only about a year. In terms of style, Zheng plays somewhat similarly to Sabalenka, pretty powerful from the baseline with a good serve.
Prediction:
So what happens here? Well, a couple of things could happen. Zheng is capable of winning this match, but she will need everything to go right, which isn't really certain. Sabalenka is the favourite and a far better player, more skilled at the style both like to play.
It will be very hard for the Chinese player to match Sabalenka from the baseline, and much will depend on her serve. If she can create some kind of advantage there and not allow Sabalenka to find a good rhythm she should have a decent chance.
If she doesn't do that, then Sabalenka will obviously impose her will and the more she does that, the more confident she'll be. In a direct clash from the baseline, Zheng is unlikely to overpower Sabalenka, so she needs to avoid that at all costs.
Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka to win in two sets.
0 Comments