China Open 2024 Women’s Singles: Karolina Muchova vs. Qinwen Zheng preview, prediction and live stream details

Karolina Muchova to face Qinwen Zheng for the second time this year in the semifinals of the WTA 1000 China Open.

China Open 2024 Women’s Singles: Karolina Muchova vs. Qinwen Zheng preview, prediction and live stream details

Karolina Muchova and Qinwen Zheng (via Reuters/WTA)

Karolina Muchova is aiming to win her first title in five years. The Czech Republic star proved her bidding well after beating Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals of the China Open. It was her third consecutive win over Sabalenka. However, she will face Chinese Qinwen Zheng for a place in the WTA 1000 tournament.

Zheng continued her fine display after rallying from behind to beat Mirra Andreeva. The Chinese clinched her first tour-level title of the season at the Palermo Ladies Open in July and is seeking her second in her home country.

Karolina Muchova vs. Qinwen Zheng: Match Details

  • Tournament: China Open 2024
  • Match: Karolina Muchova vs. Qinwen Zheng
  • Date: October 5, 2024
  • Time: TBD
  • Venue: Beijing, China
  • Round: Semifinals
  • Surface: Hardcourt

Karolina Muchova vs. Qinwen Zheng: Match Preview

Karolina Muchova returned to the tour in July after being away for ten months due to a wrist injury. In her first tournament, the Czech star reached the quarterfinals of the Eastbourne International but was forced to withdraw due to injury. She found her game rhythm at the Palermo Open but lost the title to Qinwen Zheng 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

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She got to her second consecutive US Open semifinals in September but lost in three sets to Jessica Pegula. Since, arriving in China, she has become a dominant force on the court. She didn’t drop until the quarterfinals, beating the likes of Cristina Bucsa and Jaqueline Cristian. She ended Aryna Sabalenka‘s 15-match winning streak with a 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-4 victory.

Karolina Muchova (via X)

On the other hand, Qinwen Zheng began the year finishing as runners-up in the Australian Open. She failed to carry on her momentum and didn’t reach any other final until July. She won the Palermo Open after beating Muchova and carried her form into the Paris Olympics, winning the singles gold medal at the Summer Games.

Back to the tour, she exited in the Round of 16 of the Cincinnati Open. She performed better at the US Open but lost to Sabalenka in straight sets in the quarterfinals. In the China Open, she beat Kamilla Rakhimova and Nadia Podoroska in straight set. She dropped her first set in but went on to win 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 against Amanda Anisimova. In the quarterfinals, she came from behind to defeat No. 17 seed Mirra Andreeva, 5-7, 6-0, 6-4.

Karolina Muchova vs. Qinwen Zheng: Match Prediction

Karolina Muchova is the lowest-ranked player left in the semifinals of the China Open draw, World No.49. This is the Czech star’s seventh tournament since her return from injury. She has dropped one set since arriving in China and is hoping to win her first title since 2019.

Qinwen Zheng (via WTA)
Qinwen Zheng (via WTA)

Muchova and Zheng have faced each other twice in their career, with both earning one win over each other. However, the last time they both met was at the Palermo Open in June where Zheng prevailed in three sets.

Zheng is yet to lose against players ranked outside the Top 20 in her home country. The Chinese star may have everything working for her at the moment, but against Muchova, it will be different. Muchova has been playing her best tennis since the US Open and is the favorite to win.

Match Prediction: Karolina Muchova to win in three sets

Karolina Muchova vs. Qinwen Zheng: Live Stream

  • USA – Tennis Channel
  • UK – Sky UK
  • Canada – TSN
  • Australia – beIN Sports
  • Belgium – Telenet, BeTV
  • Brazil – ESPN Brazil
  • India: Tennis TV