Day five at the WTA Finals promises plenty of entertaining tennis for the fans in Saudi Arabia and tuning in from around the globe. There are two intriguing matches on the slate as the Purple Group wraps up and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for both matches. But who will secure a vital victory?
WTA Finals Day 5 Predictions
Jasmine Paolini vs Zheng Qinwen
Head-to-head: Zheng 3-0 Paolini
In their fourth career meeting, world #4 Jasmine Paolini will look to break her losing streak against Zheng Qinwen, ranked seventh in the world. Paolini has had a standout season with a 40-19 win-loss record, highlighted by her title at the Dubai Tennis Championships and deep runs at the French Open and Wimbledon. However, she lost her second group stage match against Aryna Sabalenka and now faces another tough opponent in the Chinese, who has won all three of their previous encounters.
Zheng, with a 50-17 record, also enters this match with impressive form. Her 2024 achievements include titles at the Japan Open, Palermo Ladies Open, and runner-up finishes at the Wuhan Open and the Australian Open. Like Paolini, she lost to Sabalenka in this year’s group stage. It is basically a knockout match, with the winner progressing to the final four with Sabalenka – who has already secured her spot. Considering the form of Zheng, especially after the US Open, and her solid record against the Italian, expect the Chinese to have the edge.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
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Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 6-3 Rybakina
World #1 Aryna Sabalenka will look to make it three wins from three in Saudi when she takes on Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka, with a dominant 56-12 win-loss record this season, has showcased her strength on all surfaces. Her remarkable season was book-ended by Grand Slam glory at the Australian Open and US Open, whilst she also won the Cincinnati Masters and the Wuhan Open. She has carried her form in the WTA Finals, wrapping up straight sets over Zheng and Paolini to secure her spot in the semifinals with a match to spare.
But she still has plenty to play for here: a win over Rybakina would confirm her year-end #1 ranking against Iga Swiatek. Rybakina, however, has also had a strong year, with a 41-11 win-loss record and won titles at the Stuttgart Open, Abu Dhabi Open, and Brisbane International. However, the WTA Finals came at the wrong time for her as she was competing for the first time after a lengthy break and has not looked particularly sharp. Sabalenka should win comfortably.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
