By Tony Fairbairn
- Karolina Muchova [7] v Naomi Osaka [12]
- Linda Noskova [5] v Ekaterina Alexandrova [19]
- Mirra Andreeva [4] v Daria Snigur
BEIJING, CHINA – Karolina Muchova and Naomi Osaka will take on each other in a fourth round blockbuster at the China Open.
Karolina Muchova [7] v Naomi Osaka [12] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Karolina Muchova [7] v Naomi Osaka [12] | H2H: Muchova leads 4-3 |
| WTA Beijing 2026 | Beijing, China |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $105,720 |
| Third on Lotus (Not before 08:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
A three set win for Karolina Muchova over Liudmila Samsonova saw her narrowly avoid a third round exit. The seventh seed has built a lot of confidence over the season and managed to grind out victory in Beijing. After reaching a second Grand Slam final at Wimbledon this year, Muchova has played confident tennis while also managing her body and injuries. That will prove crucial in Muchova’s bid to end the season strong and possibly reach the WTA Finals at the end of the year.
The next task for Muchova will be to renew her rivalry with Naomi Osaka as they get set to meet for an eighth time in their career. It was a big win for Osaka as she defeated one of the most talented prospects on the tour in Sara Bejlek. A straight sets win for Osaka will boost her confidence as she will look to take advantage of the Asian swing. The world number 17 seeks more consistency in her game and will look to achieve that with a big win against an elite player in Muchova.
Muchova will use variety in spins and paces to force errors from Osaka while finishing points off at the net. Meanwhile Osaka will aim to serve aggressively and will use the forehand to pin Muchova behind the baseline. This will be a tight match which will be determined by which player can take more controlled risks under pressure. A slightly faster could make life easier for Osaka who needs a big win here.
Prediction: Osaka in three sets.
Linda Noskova [5] v Ekaterina Alexandrova [19] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Linda Noskova [5] v Ekaterina Alexandrova [19] | H2H: Tied at 1-1 |
| WTA Beijing 2026 | Beijing, China |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $105,720 |
| Second on Capital Group Diamond (05:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
It’s been a sensational second half of the season for Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. That has continued in Beijing where she is yet to drop a set in her opening two rounds, playing some immaculate and spectacular tennis. An accurate serve and some great variety as well as net skills means that Noskova is a dangerous prospect. Now, Noskova will aim to finish off the year strongly and prove why she is one of the in-form players this season.
Next up for Noskova is Ekaterina Alexandrova who secured a massive win over Roland Garros semi-finalist Diana Shnaider in the previous round. A three set win for Alexandrova will give her season a boost in what has been a fairly disappointing year. The world number 28 has the serve and the firepower to produce some great tennis and has the game to suffocate opponents. However, Alexandrova hasn’t shown that type of tennis this year and will hope that continues to change in Beijing.
Noskova will be aggressive and proactive on serve while using the forehand to change direction of the play. Meanwhile, Alexandrova will use the backhand to cause damage and will look to capitalise on any short second serves. This will be a tight first set but Noskova should have enough quality to run away with victory.
Prediction: Noskova in straight sets.
 |
|---|
Mirra Andreeva [4] v Daria Snigur H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Mirra Andreeva [4] v Daria Snigur | H2H: First Meeting |
| WTA Beijing 2026 | Beijing, China |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $105,720 |
| First on Capital Group Diamond (04:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
In previous seasons, Mirra Andreeva hasn’t had the best endings to seasons but that is hoping to change. The fourth seed had a breakthrough achievement by winning her first Grand Slam at Roland Garros and is looking to back that up in Beijing. It hasn’t been the most successful time of year in past year’s but Andreeva has made a good start this year and is looking to continue that form at the China Open.
The next test for Andreeva is Ukrainian Daria Snigur who has caused upsets in the past. The 24 year-old has a dynamic and consistent game from the baseline and has upset some big names in the past. In Beijing this week, Snigur has defeated Jasmine Paolini and has then backed that up with a 47 minute win in her last match. Snigur will hope to continue that form and confidence as she looks to cause another shock and reach the Beijing quarter-finals.
Andreeva will use the backhand to change the direction of central rallies and use variety to force errors from Snigur’s game. Meanwhile, Snigur will look to take the forehand early and will need to serve aggressively to have a chance in this match. The Ukrainian will get off to a quick start but won’t be able to last the pace against a ruthless Andreeva.
Prediction: Andreeva in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow WTA Beijing 2026
Leave a Reply