Jelena Ostapenko vs Paula Badosa Preview & Prediction | 2026 China Open | Second Round

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Paula Badosa takes on Jelena Ostapenko in round two of the China Open.

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time: 3 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 Jelena Ostapenko vs Paula Badosa ticket information

Jelena Ostapenko vs Paula Badosa prediction

Jelena Ostapenko is the 24th seed at the China Open. Her poor form continued in Seoul last week, losing in the second-round to Taylah Preston in straight sets, despite entering the tournament as the top seed. The Latvian has just one semi-final appearance to her name since May, and that was a WTA 250 event in Eastbourne during the grass court campaign.

Ostapenko will hope for a stronger run in Beijing and faces former world number two Paula Badosa in her opening match. Badosa staged a comeback to beat Daria Kasatkina in round one. She lost the first set and was 5-2 down in the second set tiebreak but recovered to level the match. Kasatkina opened up a 4-2 lead in the decider, but Badosa fought back to win 4-6 7-6 (7) 6-4 after two hours and 28 minutes. This was Badosa’s second win over Kasatkina in the space of just over a month, having also beaten her at the US Open.

Ostapenko leads the head-to-head 3-2 but it’s 1-1 on outdoor hard court. If Badosa can maintain a high level of intensity and remain competitive throughout, she has the game to frustrate Ostapenko and give herself a chance of securing the victory.

Jelena Ostapenko vs Paula Badosa tip: Paula Badosa to win