Jelena Ostapenko and Paula Badosa produce one of the most volatile second-round matches on the Beijing schedule.
Badosa survived Daria Kasatkina 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 in round one, showing the resilience that has defined her comeback. She has the cleaner return and better movement, and her backhand down the line can dictate points early.
Ostapenko plays all-or-nothing tennis. When her first strike works she can blow anyone off the court, but the error count rises quickly when the opponent absorbs pace. Her results swing sharply from week to week.
Expect high winner counts, many unforced errors and a likely three-set match. Badosa's ability to extend rallies and return deep gives her a slim edge, though Ostapenko can win this if she starts hot.
Prediction: Badosa to win in three sets. Confidence: low.