A fascinating WTA Ningbo final awaits between Mirra Andreeva and Daria Kasatkina. Andreeva hopes to win her second WTA title, while Kasatkina seeks a seventh. Hopefully, the final will live up to expectations after both semifinals ended prematurely due to retirements. We at LWOT give our prediction and analysis in this article, but which player do you think will win the title?

WTA Ningbo Final Prediction

Mirra Andreeva vs Daria Kasatkina

Head-to-head: first meeting

Andreeva progressed to the final very comfortably. The 17-year-old defeated Varvara Lepchenko and Tamara Korpatsch before Barbora Krejcikova and Karolina Muchova had to retire in the next two matches. After being given a bye in the opening round, Kasatkina overcame Katerina Siniakova and Yulia Putintseva in three sets. Paula Badosa retired from her semifinal against the Russian after the first set.

This is likely to be a lengthy and brutal battle. The conditions in Ningbo are very slow due to the humidity, making it hard to hit winners consistently. Kasatkina and Andreeva are among the best athletes on the WTA Tour, which will extend the points even more. Andreeva possesses slightly more firepower and must pick the right moments to try and take risks on a court where it is hard to hit through opponents.

Predicting a winner in this match is very challenging. It could easily go either way, but Kasatkina might be a very slight favorite. She possesses more variety and craft than Andreeva, and that style sometimes troubles the teenager. The onus being on Andreeva to dictate the rallies against a gritty opponent like Kasatkina may not suit her as well as facing an opponent who offers pace to redirect. Andreeva’s natural talent can take her to victory if she finds her best tennis. But Kasatkina’s excellent fitness and concentration could make the difference in what promises to be a tough battle.

Prediction: Kasatkina in 3

Main photo credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports