WTA Finals Shenzhen Red Group Preview: Barty vs. Bencic

It’s uncommon for a first-time encounter to take place at the WTA Finals. The tournament is comprised of eight players who have ventured deep into tournaments all year long, and who have often crossed paths in the processs. But Ashleigh Barty and Belinda Bencic will play each other for the very first time in their respective WTA Finals singles debuts come Sunday.

Barty sits atop the WTA rankings, but she is not the favorite to take home the title in Shenzhen. Out of all the competitors, Barty owns the lowest win percentage against the rest of the field, with a combined record of 7-16. Still, no one has won more matches (52) this year than the 23-year-old Aussie.

­­Bencic inserted herself in the year-end race with her triumph in Dubai in February and never looked back, although she needed a strong finish to secure entry. After reaching her first major semifinal at the US Open, she won Moscow to clinch her spot. The talented Swiss has nine Top-10 wins on the season and owns a respectable 9-9 record against the rest of the field

Expect a feeling-out process in the early stages. Barty will want to see how Bencic reacts to her low-biting slice. While Bencic can create her own pace, she prefers to absorb what her opponent provides. The Swiss uses her spectacular timing and racquet skills to redirect the ball with precision, but that’s not easy to do against the best slice backhand in the game.

In the end, Barty’s advantage on serve, as well as her unique playing style, will likely prove too much for the 22-year-old Bencic. Playing an opponent for the first time is tricky, especially when that player is the current world No. 1. Bencic has been slaying giants all season long, but Barty’s variety and lack of consistent pace should get her across the line in the opening act of this prospective rivalry. Winner: Barty

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