Badosa enters this matchup with greater momentum, while Kasatkina’s recent struggles leave her with plenty to prove.
Badosa Looks To Extend Her Perfect Beijing Start
- Badosa has a 2–0 record in opening-round matches in Beijing.
- She has a 13–7 record against lower-ranked opponents in 2026.
- Kasatkina has failed to win a main-draw match in seven of her last nine events.
- She has a 5–2 opening-round record in Beijing.
HTH - Tied at 4-4
| Year | Tournament | Round | Surface | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | US Open | 1R | Hard | Paula Badosa | 6-1, 6-4 |
| 2025 | French Open | 3R | Clay | Daria Kasatkina | 6-1, 7-5 |
| 2024 | Ningbo WTA | SF | Hard | Daria Kasatkina | 6-0 ret. |
| 2024 | Wimbledon | 3R | Grass | Paula Badosa | 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4 |
| 2023 | Stuttgart | 1R | Clay | Paula Badosa | 6-1, 6-1 |
| 2022 | San Jose WTA | SF | Hard | Daria Kasatkina | 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2022 | Rome WTA | R16 | Clay | Daria Kasatkina | 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2022 | Sydney | SF | Hard | Paula Badosa | 6-2, 6-2 |
Badosa Looks To Carry Recent Form Into Beijing
Paula Badosa had a great opportunity to lift the title in Sao Paulo a few weeks ago considering the draw, but she lost to Nadia Podoroska in straight sets in the semifinals, 6-3, 6-4. Despite missing out on the title, it was still a confidence-boosting result for her.
The Spaniard has struggled with fitness issues in recent years and has also retired twice this year, while several early-round exits earlier in the season pushed her close to the top 150 in the rankings.
However, her level has improved in recent months. She reached the final in Iasi, the quarterfinals in Berlin and Hamburg, and won the WTA 125 title in Bastad, results that have brought her close to returning to the top 50 in the rankings.
This is her fourth appearance here in Beijing. Notably, she reached the semifinals in 2024 and the third round in 2025.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Spain |
| Age | Born 15 November 1997 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| World Ranking | No. 59 |
| Career High | No. 2 (25 April 2022) |
| Elo Ranking | No. 42 |
| Tour-Level Titles | 4 |
Kasatkina Seeks To Reverse Her Recent Slide
Daria Kasatkina has been dealing with a recurring hip issue that has significantly affected her performances this year. She has retired three times so far due to that issue.
The Australian has played 21 events this year and failed to win a main-draw match in 13 of them, including seven of her last nine. She is currently on a four-match losing streak.
The 29-year-old has played here seven times before and progressed through the opening round on five occasions. Notably, she reached the quarterfinals in 2017 and 2019.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Age | Born 7 May 1997 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| World Ranking | No. 87 |
| Career High | No. 8 (24 October 2022) |
| Elo Ranking | No. 65 |
| Tour-Level Titles | 8 |