If this China Open Round of 64 were a cook-off, I'd say our little chefs have been busy. We've got Leylah Fernandez, a 20-seed on the menu and then there's our free-range, unseeded player, Peyton Stearns, hoping to spice things up. They've diced it out on the courts twice before, once Stearns took her for a ride, but last time Fernandez showed Stearns, you can’t make omelettes without breaking some eggs.
Recently, both these players have seen their share of losses, kind of like a souffle falling flat. Fernandez lost her last three matches and Stearns... well, she's been as consistent as a batch of store-bought cookies. Can’t say it’s gourmet cuisine.
Although, Fernadez’s recent slump in performance might make some betters squeamish, she's got that 20-seed seasoning on her side. Stearns, while she might have surprised us with her unseeded zest in the past, will need some serious kick to seasoned pro Fernadez.
All in all, I’d wager that Fernandez didn't come this far to let the last missteps go to her head. Think she’s ready to simmer down and serve it hot.
Albert’s Prediction: Fernandez in 3 sets