Belinda Bencic vs Ann Li Preview & Prediction | 2026 China Open | Third Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

Belinda Bencic takes on Ann Li in round three of the China Open. 

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time: 5 October 2026 at 4:00 am

Venue: National Tennis Center, Beijing, China

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Belinda Bencic vs Ann Li ticket information

Belinda Bencic vs Ann Li prediction

Belinda Bencic began her China Open campaign with a straight sets win over Anastasia Zakharova. Bencic breezed through the first set but was challenged in the second as Zakharova served to extend the contest. The Swiss broke back and edged ahead in the tiebreak to win 6-1 7-6 (3). This was her first match since an opening round loss at the US Open to Yulia Putintseva.

Bencic now goes up against Ann Li. The American comfortably got past Ashlyn Krueger in the previous round. Li was 4-2 down in the first set but reeled off eight games in a row to go a set and 4-0 up. She also saved eight of nine break point opportunities.

Li leads the head-to-head 1-0 after a straight sets win at Flushing Meadows last year. She is a very competitive player on this surface and can trouble higher ranked opponents, but Bencic remains the favourite to navigate her way through this encounter. 

Belinda Bencic vs Ann Li tip: Belinda Bencic to win