Paula Badosa has been in impeccable form for the better part of this season. To further advance her agenda and decorate her resume with more silverware, the Spaniard has set her sights on the China Open title. However, completing that quest won’t be an easy one. After all, Badosa will lock horns with home favorite Shuai Zhang in the quarterfinals of the Beijing event on Thursday, October 3.

Shuai Zhang vs Paula Badosa: Preview

Chinese sensation Shuai has wreaked havoc upon her rivals all week in Beijing, following a wildcard entry into the tournament. The veteran caused several upsets on her way to the last eight. She downed No. 8 seed Emma Navarro in the second round in straight sets and later, outfoxed Magdalena Frech, 6-4, 6-2, to book a date against Spaniard Badosa.

Meanwhile, there are hardly any complaints surrounding Badosa’s impressive presentation in China. The Spanish star has maintained her resilience in Beijing, registering her most remarkable victory in the fourth round. Badosa got the better of second seed Jessica Pegula during their highly-anticipated contest, boggling the US Open finalist 6-4, 6-0, to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

Zhang vs Badosa: Head-to-Head

Both players will mark their maiden meet on the Tour with their quarterfinal date slated to go down at the WTA 1000 Masters event. Despite extensively touring the circuit, the duo has never crossed paths with each other. As a result, their head-to-head tally is locked at 0-0 for the moment.

Prediction: Badosa to win in straight sets

Let’s be real, Badosa’s best results for the year have come on the hardcourts. After quashing injury concerns and recovering to her best form, the Spaniard bagged the Citi Open title and reached the final four of the Cincinnati Masters. While thrashing in-form players seems like a routine task for the former World No. 2, she also boasts a 60% win record on the surface. Furthermore, the 26-year-old entered the Beijing event on the back of a quarterfinal finish at Flushing Meadows, wherein she lost to American Emma Navarro.

Flaunting an aggressive baseline play, Paula Badosa aims to finesse her rivals with her powerful shot-making skills, coupled with a versatile touch of net play. The Spanish star uses serve as her biggest weapon, recorded going as high as 122 mph (196 km/h). Notably, the No. 15 seed registered a jaw-dropping 95% of wins on her first serve during her encounter with Pegula.

Shuai, on the other hand, has endured tough luck on the tour this season. The Chinese star entered the Asian hardcourt swing carrying a record-breaking 0-8 losing streak on the circuit. The 35-year-old hasn’t won a tour-level contest since her Lyon Open triumph in 2023. Furthermore, Shuai has been adamant about finding success on the Grand Slam stage as well. Meaning, she hasn’t surpassed the opening round challenges in any of those adventures.

Plagued by injuries, Shuai rests deep behind the baseline and executes a flat forehand to trouble her competitors. While her backhand is rather dominant, the Chinese player doesn’t frequent unorthodox gameplay – otherwise distinguishable. However, her service needs improvement. During her last showdown, the former World No. 22 managed to muster merely 60% of wins on her first serve and 45% on the second, all the while firing two double faults.

In summary, it is safe to say that Shuai will enjoy a surgent wave of newfound form and support from the home crowd. However, Badosa’s results for the season and formidability should see her advance to the last four.