Ashleigh Barty vs Naomi Osaka - WTA - China Open Finals - Preview and Prediction

A wonderful women's clash is all set to take place as World number 1, Ashleigh Barty takes on World number 4, Naomi Osaka in the China Open finals today afternoon.

After her remarkable triumph in the French Open 2019, Barty has shown tremendous consistency in big tournaments.

She clinched the title in Birmingham and reached the semis in the Cincinnati Open. The Australian has come onto her own in China, reaching the Wuhan Open semis and carrying on the form in Beijing.

Barty had to face a tough draw to reach the finals. She dug deep to defeat local hope, Zheng Saisai, in three sets in the round of 16. Two-time grand slam champion, Petra Kvitova took the early lead 6-4 in the quarterfinals but Barty fought back, clinching the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to advance.

Barty came to the party at the right moment in the semifinals, saving a match point to beat Kiki Bertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7).

On the other hand, a lot of things have been going on for Osaka, both on and off the court. She has changed her coach twice, splitting with Sascha Bajin and Jermaine Jenkins.

The Japanese struggled for consistency this year with early exits and injuries derailing her progress. But, she has been in good touch after her triumph at the Japan Open.

Osaka steamrolled Jessica Pegula, Andrea Petkovic, and Alison Riske in straight sets. The fourth seed served brilliantly with 20 aces in the first three matches. Interestingly, Pegula, Petkovic, and Riske could not serve even a single ace each.

A scintillating showdown was witnessed in the quarter-finals as Osaka came out on top, defeating the 2019 US Open champion, Bianca Andreescu 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. 

Osaka and Andreescu showed great admiration for each other after the culmination of the titanic tussle.

Coming to the head to head record, Barty leads Osaka with two wins and one loss. Surprisingly, all their three matches so far, have finished in straight sets.

The fans can expect an enthralling encounter between Barty's game-awareness and Osaka's coverage.

Prediction -  Naomi Osaka to win in three sets

Cover Image Credits - Getty Images