China Open 2024: Women’s Singles Draw Preview and Prediction featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Qinwen Zheng

The 2024 China Open will kick start on September 25, and top seed Aryna Sabalenka is the favorite to win the tournament.

China Open 2024: Women’s Singles Draw Preview and Prediction featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Qinwen Zheng

Coco Gauff, Qinwen Zheng, Aryna Sabalenka (Images via X)

The draw of the women’s singles in the 2024 China Open was unveiled on Monday (September 24), a day before the start of the tournament. The main draw is set to kick-start on Friday (September 27), and the final will take place on Sunday (October 6). 

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, the reigning champion, withdrew from the tournament due to personal reasons. World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, who was knocked out in the quarterfinals last year, will be the top seed this year. 

Tournament Details

  • Tournament: China Open
  • Date: September 25 – October 6, 2024
  • Venue: China National Tennis Centre
  • Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
  • Total Prize Money Pool: $13,140,000
  • Defending Champion: Iga Swiatek

Top Seeds at China Open

  • Aryna Sabalenka
  • Jessica Pegula
  • Elena Rybakina
  • Jasmine Paolini
  • Coco Gauff
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China Open 2024 Draw Preview

First Quarter

Two-time China Open quarterfinalist, Aryna Sabalenka, following her successful run at the US Open will play with a qualifier or a lucky loser. Apart from her, another top-seeded player in the top quarter is Barbora Krejcikova, who is also playing her third tournament since the Wimbledon victory over Jasmine Paolini. Beatriz Haddad Maia, after her win at the Korea Open, is also expected to reach the quarterfinals. 

FS Video
China Open women's draw
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)

Quarterfinals Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Barbora Krejcikova

Second Quarter

The 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng will be the heavy favorite and will also be getting home support in her first tournament on home soil.

China Open women's draw
Qinwen Zheng (Image via Imago)

Had Emma Raducanu played, she would have faced Zheng in the second round, but the 21-year-old Brit withdrew from the tournament due to an injury in her left foot. Russia’s young sensation Mirra Andreeva, Daria Kasatkina, Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic, and two-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini are also part of this quarter.

Quarterfinals Prediction: Qinwen Zheng vs. Jasmine Paolini

Third Quarter

World No.6 Coco Gauff, who failed to defend her US Open title and was a semifinalist at the China Open last year, will try to make it to her third straight qualification for the WTA Finals. Apart from Gauff, Jelena Ostapenko is the only Top 10 player in this quarter.

China Open women's draw
Coco Gauff (Image via X)

Naomi Osaka, who is also a part of this quarter, will be locking horns with Lucia Bronzetti in the first round, and winning the round means she will take on Yulia Putintseva in the second round. The four-time Grand Slam champion could meet Marta Kostyuk if she reaches the third round. 

Quarterfinals Prediction: Coco Gauff vs Jelena Ostapenko

Fourth Quarter

Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro are the top seeds in this quarter. While Navarro has been playing decently in recent tournaments, she could face a challenge from Diana Shnaider. Paula Badosa is also a part of this quarter, but if she reaches the fourth round, she could face Pegula. 

China Open women's draw
Jessica Pegula (Image via X)

Quarterfinals Prediction: Jessica Pegula vs. Emma Navarro

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Semifinals

In the first semifinal, Aryna Sabalenka could once again face Qinwen Zheng in what would also be the rematch of the 2024 Australian Open final and the 2024 US Open quarterfinals. The second semifinal could feature the two Americans, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, going head-to-head.

China Open women's draw
Qinwen Zheng, Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)

Semifinal 1 Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Qinwen Zheng

Semifinal 2 Prediction: Coco Gauff vs Jessica Pegula

Final

Aryna Sabalenka is expected to win another match over Qinwen Zheng to take her head-to-head lead to 4-0. Sabalenka, the winner of two Grand Slams in 2024, will add the fourth title to her trophy cabinet if she wins the China Open.

It’s difficult to predict the winner of the second semifinal since Coco Gauff has suffered a slump in form. While Gauff could give her compatriot a run for her money, expect Pegula to come out on top and reach yet another final this season.

China Open women's draw
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)

Finals Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Pegula

Sabalenka leads Pegula 6-2 in the head-to-head. The two have already met twice this year, with the Belarusian coming out on top in the Cincinnati final and the US Open final. With form and momentum on her side, expect Sabalenka to register yet another victory against Pegula and take home the title.

Winner Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka