Our panelists are back to pick all four women’s quarterfinal matches that will be played on Tuesday. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), along with editors Steen Kirby and Niall Clarke, and contributor Finn Ranson.
Panelists’ Predictions 2016 Wimbledon Women’s Quarterfinal Matches
Simona Halep vs Angelique Kerber
Finn:
These players are by far two of the most athletic on the WTA Tour. Simona Halep has brought her best tennis of this year to the Championships. Kerber will undeniably represent her most severe test so far, but Halep is the favourite in this for me. She has the greater power of the two–especially on the serve. It will certainly be a closely fought contest though, as both players occupy very similar counter-punching playing styles.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Steen:
Halep just earned a big win over Madison Keys, but Kerber’s game sets up better for grass.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Niall:
The only quarterfinal that went to seeding and it should be a great clash. The pair have only met four times and Halep has won three of them, but this is their first grass court match against each other. Kerber has always seemed the more natural on grass and Is the slight favourite here, so the German will pull through.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Yesh:
I’ve been saying that this is Halep’s chance to do something really special, but Kerber just looks unbeatable here. Then again, so did Madison Keys. This should be an amazing match.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Serena Williams vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Finn:
The Russian’s Wimbledon foray has surprised me. Against Serena Williams on Centre Court though, it surely must end. Williams has an emphatic 5-0 lead on the head to head. Pavlyuchenkova’s forehand is her best asset, yet its topspin is somewhat nullified by the grass. She is also not particularly mobile, and movement will be a facet of her game that Williams will thoroughly test. Maybe a slow start from the American, but even if she does find herself in trouble, I find it unlikely that her opposition–as is so often the case–will have the composure to grasp victory.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Steen:
Serena has never lost to Pavs, and she’s been dominant in all but one of her Wimbledon matches. Credit to the Russian for getting this far, but Williams should prevail barring an injury.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Niall:
The World #1 has not been at her best, but she’s been good enough to get through to the quarter finals without too much hassle (barring the McHale match). Pavlyuchenkova looked great against Vandeweghe and could make life difficult, but there will be only one winner here.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Yesh:
This has been a tremendous week by the Russian, including a shocking win over Coco Vandeweghe, but she doesn’t have the game to challenge Serena.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Venus Williams vs Yaroslava Shvedova
Finn:
At #96 in the world, Shvedova is the overwhelming underdog in this encounter. Yet her propensity to venture to the net will surely cause problems for Venus Williams, being so different to the usual baseline-centric game of many women on tour. If Williams is suffering from a day of diminished energy stocks (due to her Sjögren’s syndrome), Shvedova’s feel at the net could be a real test. However Williams’ serve against Suarez Navarro was imperious, consistently exceeding 110 mph. That sort of power will surely give her the edge.
Prediction: Venus in 3
Steen:
Venus is vulnerable and could lose this match, but her Wimbledon accomplishments and experience outside Shvedova, credit to her for getting this far, but I’m going with Venus to go further.
Prediction: Venus in 2
Niall:
The most surprising quarter finalist is Shvedova. The Kazkah is very talented and has shown that in abundance so far. Venus is her biggest challenge to date though, and the chances of am all-Williams final gets stronger every match. If Shvedova plays well and stays mentally tough she has a chance, but Venus’ experience will likely be too much.
Prediction: Venus in 3
Yesh:
Venus struggled early against Carla Suarez-Navarro, but she closed strong and like a champion. Shvedova should be less of a challenge than the earlier rounds. Beating the winner of Kerber/Halep in the semis might be too tall a task for Venus, but she’ll definitely get there.
Prediction: Venus in 2
Dominica Cibulkova vs Elena Vesnina
Finn:
After Cibulkova’s stunning victory over Radwanska, it’s hard to bet against the Slovakian. Diminutive though she may be, Cibulkova certainly packs a lethal punch on both flanks from the back. If Vesnina is to have any chance in this one, she will have to lure her opponent into the net and remove some of the play from the baseline. Such a nuanced tactic will be difficult to execute with any consistency though; it heavily depends on a fatigued Cibulkova. The world #18 will just squeeze through once again.
Prediction: Cibulkova in 3
Steen:
Both players are riding big wins into this one, and Vesnina has a h2h Wimbledon win. Cibulkova hasn’t lost on grass this year though, and I favor that winning streak to continue.
Prediction: Cibulkova in 3
Niall:
Both pulled surprises out in the fourth round in epic three setters. Vesnina has a game that suits the grass but Cibulkova has the bigger weapons. Providing the Slovakian remains mentally strong, she will likely pull through this match.
Prediction: Cibulkova in 3
Yesh:
Cibulkova played an amazing and emotional match to get through Agniezska Radwanska. Now she has to come back the very next day to face another tough opponent. Vesnina is a tough opponent, but she’s no Radwanska. Unless there’s a major mental letdown, Cibulkova should pull through here.
Prediction: Cibulkova in 2
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