The first set of 2017 US Open quarter-finals sees Venus Williams face Petra Kvitova and Anastasija Sevastova vs Sloane Stephens. Our panel includes editors Yesh Ginsburg, Steen Kirby, and Sam Barker, writer Ryan Schick, and guest picker Donald King make their predictions.
Venus Williams vs Petra Kvitova
Yesh: Kvitova had to go through a lot just to get here, including a big win over Garbine Muguruza, who was looking unbeatable. It’s hard to imagine Kvitova losing right now. It’s also hard to imagine this dream season that Venus Williams is having ending in the fourth round. I’m conflicted. My head says Kvitova, but my heart says Venus. Kvitova in 3
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Ryan: Two of the stories of the tournament meet up in this quarterfinal. Kvitova has battled back after getting stabbed in the hand by a burglar in December and has already taken home a trophy in Birmingham, and has put together a strong run here. Venus at age 37 is the oldest player in the draw and has overcome serious heath concerns. Both women have experience on the big stage and had success of doing so, and Venus will be a little bit stronger and will prevail in a close one. Williams in 3
Sam: Petra Kvitova’s return is one of the most remarkable stories of a chaotic 2017 and few saw her win over Garbine Muguruza coming. As dominant as she has looked though she will be matched blow-for-blow by the big-hitting Venus Williams. Kvitova might just run out of steam this time. Williams in 2
Donald: The two champions will meet for a berth in the 2017 US Open Semis. Both are power players, so the fewest errors will win. Williams has been struggling with serve–especially her second serve–which gives the edge to Kvitova. Kvitova in 3
Steen: Kvitova is on a magical run coming back from her horrific hand injury, and although Venus is playing great, the h2h is well in the Czech’s advantage, as is the momentum. Look for Venus to come up short here. Kvitova in 2
Anastasija Sevastova vs Sloane Stephens
Yesh: Both players are most comfortable on hard courts. Sevastova is coming off the high of knocking out Maria Sharapova. Advantage Stephens, who will get the win. Stephens in 3
Ryan: Sloane Stephens has always showed promise as a talented young American, but has struggled with her consistency. This may finally prove to be her year, beating two seeded players and dispatching Vinci and Barty in straight sets. Sevastova topped Maria Sharapova after falling a set down in a gutsy battle, and has had a consistent season to reach her career-best ranking of 16th. Sevastova has only made one Major quarterfinal and will not reach it this year as Stephens will continue her stellar play and win the match. Stephens in 2
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Sam: Sloane Stephens has returned from injury visibly motivated and rejuvenated and is showing all the form that saw her climb to #10 in the world. Sevastova recorded an extremely impressive victory over Maria Sharapova in the last round but, as we are all aware, backing up a big victory is always tricky in tennis. Stephens in 2
Donald: Both players are most comfortable on hard courts. Sevastova is coming off the high of knocking out Maria Sharapova. Advantage Stephens, who will get the win. Stephens in 3
Steen: A wonderful matchup between in-form players who are peaking at the right time. Sevastova has more flash, but the home fans should propel Stephens into the semifinals. Stephens in 3
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