Hua Hin Open: Lin vs Wang Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Hua Hin Open as Zhu Lin takes on Xinyu Wang in the semifinal on Saturday, February 4, 2023.

It’s a massive opportunity for both Zhu Lin and Xinyu Wang who have their eyes on Sunday’s final. But only one of them will reach a maiden WTA final in Hua Hin. Who will prevail?

Zhu Lin is becoming somewhat of a lateish bloomer. Last year she was in terrific form on the ITF Tour and has since rocketed up the rankings to reach a career-high world No. 54. She is guaranteed to enter the Top 50 next week following her exploits in Hua Hin. On Friday, she demolished former Roland Garros semifinalist Tamara Zidansek 6-2 6-2 to reach the last four where compatriot Xinyu Wang awaits.

Xinyu Wang, for her part, came out on top in a seesaw quarterfinal match against Heather Watson. Wang converted seven of her 15 break points, and most importantly, secured the only break of serve in the third set to eventually clinch the match. The 21-year-old’s reward is a place in the semifinal in Hua Hin and undoubtedly one of the biggest matches of her young career on the WTA Tour.

Zhu Lin leads Xinyu Wang 1-0 in their head-to-head on the WTA Tour. Lin won the pair’s meeting at the 2019 US Open in straight sets. But Wang has come a long way since that match. Back then she was still a teenager learning her trade on the biggest stage. She has cracked the Top 100 and has appeared in multiple Grand Slams. Lin, however, looks the more assured baseliner here. The 28-year-old’s excellent start to the season will only get better from here.