Lin Zhu vs Ashlyn Krueger prediction and odds: Japan Open 2023

Lin Zhu and Ashlyn Krueger reached the 2023 Japan Open final in Osaka and with the title so close for both of them we anticipate a close and hotly contested final. Can Zhu secure her second title of the year? Will the young American underdog Krueger be able to cause another upset? Read our preview and find out our predictions for this match. Also, make sure to check ourlatest tennis predictions.

Here are our Lin Zhu vs Ashlyn Krueger predictions

Which of these players will win a WTA title?

Prediction 1: Set 1 result after 2 games: 1-1 @ 7/10 (1.70)

Both Zhu and Krueger are relatively inexperienced in terms of finals appearances. Between them they have only one WTA title, we think both will try to be cautious early on. This is why we expected after only 2 games of this final the result to be 1-1.

Prediction 2: Lin Zhu to win @ 3/5 (1.60)

Lin Zhu is by far the more experienced player of the two. She already won a WTA title this year, while this is the first-ever appearance for Krueger past round 3 at the WTA circuit. Lin Zhu comes into this final sitting nearly 100 places above her opponent. Also, Zhu won 9 of her last 11 matches, including 2 wins against ex-top 5 players. All this makes us believe that she will find a way to win again in the final.

The odds in this article were correct at the time of writing, and the odds are subject to change. We recommend checking with your bookmaker before placing a bet.

Will the number one seed Lin Zhu add another title?

The number one seed of the tournament Lin Zhu expectedly reached the final. Can she wrap up a perfect week with a title? Krueger is about to contest her first-ever WTA final. Will the American find a way to triumph?

Lin Zhu

The world number 35 Lin Zhu was the top seed entering the Japan Open and despite having to go through some difficult battles the 29-year-old made it to the final as was expected. In her semifinal, she needed to dig deep against her compatriot Wang Xinyu before eventually prevailing 7-5, 7-6 (6).

Lin Zhu won her first WTA title back in February at Hua Hin. She is in great form right now with 9 wins in her last 11 matches, among those 9 wins triumphs over Caroline Garcia and Victoria Azarenka.

With her confidence high and a top 30 ranking guaranteed if she triumphs Lin Zhu has all the motivation she needs.

Ashlyn Krueger

The world number 123 Ashlyn Krueger enjoyed an excellent week in Osaka and she is about to enter her first-ever WTA final. The 19-year-old has never been inside the world’s top 100 yet but she won 2 titles on the Challengers tour this year and also made her Grand Slam debut only a few weeks ago when losing in the first round of her home 2023 US Open.

Krueger played some very good tennis this week and she reached the final without dropping a set. In her semifinal, she beat the local favourite Mai Hontama 6-3, 6-3.

All that said, Krueger has played in only 10 WTA tournaments prior to the Japan Open, with 9 of those 10 appearances resulting in round 1 defeats. Clearly, the young American is in uncharted waters right now. Still, she has been impressive over the last few days and her confidence is bound to be sky-high.

Zhu and Krueger have never met before.