Grab a bucket full of popcorn! It’s time for the clash between the Olympic gold medalist versus the French Open and Wimbledon finalist at the WTA Finals. China’s Qinwen Zheng is all set to take on Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the third group stage match of this iconic season-ending tournament. Speaking about this match, Paolini said, “The challenge is to get the win. I mean, I always lost against her, so it’s going to be tough.” While Zheng said, “[It] is another match to see like a normal tournament. I just have to do the best that I can to win the match.” Who has the edge in this epic encounter, though?

Qinwen Zheng vs Jasmine Paolini: Preview

Qinwen Zheng has had an outstanding season this year. She started her season by surprising everyone by reaching the final of the 2024 AO. After that, she won two titles (the Palermo Ladies Open and the Japan Open). In addition, she also reached the final of the 2024 Wuhan Open. However, if we talk about her performance in Riyadh, interestingly just like Paolini even Zheng has experienced similar results in the group stage of the WTA Finals. Both players beat Elena Rybakina, but they were defeated by Aryna Sabalenka. Qinwen Zheng is entering this match after her 7-6(4),3-6,6-1 win over Rybakina in her second group stage match.

On the other hand, Jasmine Paolini is entering this match after facing a 3-6,5-7 defeat to the current world number one, Aryna Sabalenka. If we take a look at Paolini’s performance this season, she has truly been a revelation in 2024! She won the Dubai Tennis Championships in February and then made it to the finals of the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships. Although, she lost both of her final matches, her grit and determination throughout those two tournaments were really praiseworthy. Can she come up with yet another impressive performance against someone like Qinwen Zheng?

Zheng vs Paolini: Head-to-Head

It’s world number 3 versus the number 4! Qinwen Zheng has faced Jasmine Paolini three times in her career. Interestingly, the 22-year-old Chinese superstar has never allowed Paolini to conquer her.

• 2024 Wuhan QF: Zheng 6-2,3-6,6-3.
• 2023 Zhengzhou SF: Zheng 6-2,6-3.
• 2023 Palermo Final: Zheng 6-4,1-6,6-1.

Prediction: Zheng to win in three sets

Looking at the supremacy of Qinwen Zheng in their previous encounters, and the brand of tennis she has played in this season, we’re keeping the Chinese slightly ahead in this contest. Having said that, there is absolutely no doubt over the threat that Jasmine Paolini possesses in the match. So, Zheng needs to be a bit wary of this! Qinwen Zheng (3) has a win-loss index of 48-17 this season, while Jasmine Paolini (4) has an idea of 40-19. So, apart from the H2H stats, there is a very fine margin separating the two. This match will surely go deep!

Now if we shift our focus to their playing styles, Paolini’s solid all-around game and great anticipation skills on the court can cause a troubles for the Chinese star in this match. Jasmine Paolini has a very dynamic and aggressive style of player. It’s mainly characterized by powerful groundstrokes and she loves using her heavy topspin on her forehand. However, her backhands are generally a bit flatter. She has incredible speed and agility and these are some of the things that always keep her opponents on their toes during the match.

Talking about Qinwen Zheng’s playing style, she is more of an aggressive baseliner. Zheng has a powerful serve and an equally strong forehand shot in her armory. She loves hitting the balls a bit early, and she likes to take control of the match from the baseline. Apart from that, Qinwen Zheng can also generate heavy topspin from both wings. All in all, it’s going to be a tough clash. Who do you think is going to win?