WTA Guangzhou Day 4 Predictions Including Caty McNally vs Ajla Tomljanovic

Coco Gauff’s former doubles partner, Caty McNally, continues her WTA Guangzhou campaign on Day 4 against two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic. This article predicts four of the eight round-of-16 matches. We at LWOT predict the rest of the action, including Yulia Putintseva vs Ella Seidel, separately.

WTA Guangzhou Day 4 Predictions

Lulu Sun vs Yafan Wang

Head-to-head: First meeting

Sun played very well to defeat the No. 1 seed Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-6 7-6. The New Zealander will have even more control in the rallies against an opponent who does not hit with overwhelming pace. Although Wang is adept at grinding out results and frustrating bigger hitters, I think Sun will have enough to handle that challenge.
Prediction: Sun in 2

Claire Liu vs Anna Bondar

Head-to-head: First meeting

Both women were involved in the two most exciting matches of the tournament so far. Bondar defeated Hanyu Guo in a deciding set tiebreak, while Liu recovered to beat Miami Open semifinalist Alexandra Eala. Although each contest was dramatic, Liu played much better against Eala than Bondar did against Guo. Despite the Hungarian’s better overall CV, I like Liu’s chances with her aggressive style.
Prediction: Liu in 3

Shuai Zhang vs Veronika Erjavec

Head-to-head: First meeting

36-year-old Zhang had not consistently played in singles this year until the Asian swing, but has performed impressively, including beating Emma Navarro and Sorana Cirstea in Wuhan. The veteran’s best level would be good enough to win this match if she finds it. Erjavec does not have the same tennis IQ, although she is a fighter with a great attitude, which gives her some hope.
Prediction: Zhang in 3

Caty McNally vs Ajla Tomljanovic

Head-to-head: McNally 1-0 Tomljanovic

Tomljanovic overcame No. 5 seed Alycia Parks in the opening round. That was the American’s eighth consecutive loss without winning a set, making the victory slightly less impressive. McNally will try to unsettle the Australian by coming to the net and mixing up the pace. That does not suit Tomljanovic, who is most adept at outrallying opponents. I think McNally will apply enough pressure to triumph.
Prediction: McNally in 3