Hua Hin Open: Zidansek vs Lin Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Hua Hin Open as Tamara Zidansek takes on Zhu Lin in the quarterfinal on Friday, February 3, 2023.

In just her second trip to the Hua Hin Open, Tamara Zidansek will be looking to reach another semifinal. The Slovenian, however, will play one of the most improved players on the WTA Tour in Zhu Lin. Who will prevail?

Tamara Zidansek played some breathtaking tennis to scale past Linda Fruhvirtova. It had to be that good given Fruhvirtova’s remarkable rise in the past year and her overall form coming to the Hua Hin Open this week. Zidansek fired 48 winners and overcame a second-set blip to close out the young Czech in three pulsating sets. Her reward is a place in the quarterfinals against China’s Zhu Lin.

Zhu Lin, for her part, continues her strong start to the year. The 29-year-old Chinese made waves at this year’s Australian Open when she made the fourth round for the first time in her career, and in her 14th Grand Slam main draw. Lin escaped with a gutsy win over compatriot Xiyu Wang in her opener in Hua Hin. And then knocked out Jang Su-jeong in two tight sets to reach her second quarterfinal of 2023.

Tamara Zidansek and Zhu Lin have not played each other on the WTA Tour. Friday’s quarterfinal at the Hua Hin Open will be their first official meeting. Zidansek is playing a lot better than her current ranking. If anything, she has showcased the aggressive aspect of her all-court game on hard courts, ripping forehands from the baseline with assurance. As good as Lin has played this year, I feel Zidansek’s ground strokes have more pop and should narrowly come through here in a battle between two counterpunchers.