Seeds have fallen mightily at the WTA 1000 tournament in Wuhan, with another packed schedule on the cards Thursday. All eight third-round matches are on the schedule, with this set of LWOT predictions featuring the 18-year-old American Iva Jovic up against French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska, and No. 7 seed Iga Swiatek.
WTA Wuhan Day 4 Predictions
Mia Pohankova vs Maria Sakkari
Head-to-head: First meeting
At just 17, look for Pohankova to climb the rankings in the coming months. She defeated Wang Xiyu and a partisan crowd in a thrilling Wuhan second-round match, surviving 7-6 (2) 6-7 (7) 6-1. But against Sakkari, who tends to bring intensity and likes the Wuhan courts, it could be a tall test for the youngster. The Greek came from behind to upset No. 8 seed Marta Kostyuk on Tuesday, and she reached the semifinals of this tournament in 2017.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Ann Li vs Janice Tjen
Head-to-head: First meeting
Can Li rebound after stunning the No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka? It was a brutal Wednesday night for the former Wuhan champion Sabalenka, with Li coming from a break down in the second set to win in three. The American also needed 10 match points to clinch the match in a third-set tiebreak. Tjen relies on a heavy forehand and strong topspin, but I think Li’s fighting spirit might give her the edge here. The American is on a 6-2 run since the start of the US Open, while Tjen is yet to reach a tour-level quarterfinal this season.
Prediction: Li in 3
Iva Jovic vs Maja Chwalinska
Head-to-head: First meeting
Not many players hit the ball as flat and hard as Jovic, and that could be trouble for Chwalinska, who relies on crafty groundstrokes and off-pace shots. Jovic has won nearly 60% of her second serve return points this season, according to WTA statistics, and look for her to try and overpower the Pole’s serve before she can do damage with her drop shots and slice. The American lost just five games against Dayana Yastremska in her opening match.
Prediction: Jovic in 2
Ashlyn Krueger vs Iga Swiatek
Head-to-head: First meeting
Eyeing a WTA Finals spot, Swiatek has a lot to prove at the end of 2026, as questions will arise on if she can handle the pressure. She looked strong in an opening round win over compatriot Magdalena Frech, while Krueger is 1-13 against Top 10 players. The American came through qualifying in Wuhan and has built up her form, but I think Swiatek–now with Sabalenka no longer awaiting in her draw–should be the heavy favorite to advance.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz