WTA Chicago Classic 2021: Victoria Azarenka vs Shuai Zhang Preview, Head to Head, Prediction and Live Stream

In the opening round of the Chicago Classic 2021, World No. 34 and the 14th seeded Victoria Azarenka will take on World No. 49 Shuai Zhang.

Victoria Azarenka vs Shuai Zhang: Match Details

• Tournament: Chicago Classic 2021
• Match: Victoria Azarenka vs Shuai Zhang
• Round: First Round
• Date: Sep 28, 2021
• Prize money: $565,530
• Venue: Chicago, USA
• Surface: Outdoor Hard court

Victoria Azarenka vs Shuai Zhang: Preview

Victoria Azarenka returns to the WTA Tour after a 3rd round defeat to Spaniard Garbine Mugurza at the 2021 US Open. Victoria had some success during the Grasscourts season but ever since the tournaments on hardcourts have resumed, the former World No. 1 is yet to reach a quarter-final with her round of 16 run at the 2021 Montreal Open being her best result in the past few weeks.

Shuai Zhang will look to end her streak of first-round exits in her last two tournaments since she exited the US Open in the 2nd round after being defeated by eventual winner Emma Raducanu. Zhang last played at the 2021 Ostrava Open where she was defeated in a close encounter by Yulia Putintseva.

Victoria Azarenka vs Shuai Zhang: Head to Head

This will be the 3rd meeting between the duo and their first since they met in the 1st round of the 2019 Italian Open. Both the meetings were won by Victoria who is yet to drop a set against Shuai and leads the head-to-head tie 2-0.

Victoria Azarenka vs Shuai Zhang: Prediction

Victoria will take the court with a career Hardcourt record of 335-111 and is 11-5 on the surface for the season while having a 21-8 season record across all surfaces. Shuai will come into the clash with a career Hardcourt record of 319-203 and is 7-7 on the surface this season while being 17-21 across all surfaces this season.

Looking at their recent runs and earlier performances, Victoria looks the favourite for this match.

Prediction: Victoria Azarenka to win in straight-sets.

Victoria Azarenka vs Shuai Zhang: Live Streaming and Where to Watch

Also read: ‘Emma Raducanu’s success at the US Open will inspire more girls in playing the game,’ says Judy Murray

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