The quarterfinals of St. Petersburg are set! Even though it’s just the week after the Australian Open, we still have three top 10 players, four Russians, and a few very interesting matchups. Let’s see who likely to win them:
WTA St. Petersburg Quarterfinals Predictions
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Aryna Sabelenka
The qualifier has had a great run but this should simply be a step too far. Including her qualifying matches, she’s only played one top 100 player (Katie Boulter, #88), with the others all outside the top 140. Jumping from those players to the likes of a top 10 player in Sabalenka will be too much of an ask. The Belorussian also looked impressive against Alison Van Uytvanck and looks on course for already her second title of the year. Ironically, in her other 2019 title win, Sabalenka also beat Alexandrova, routinely 6-3 6-3 I may add. I would be shocked if Alexandrova can put up a much better fight here.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Anastasia Pavlychenkova vs Kiki Bertens
On paper, this is by far the hardest match to call. While Bertens leads the head-to-head 3-2, she’s lost the last two meetings, including one in a final set just two weeks ago at the Australian Open. This could really go either way but I think the Russian will just edge the top 10 player again. She’s simply in much better form and looking good enough again to beat almost anyone.
Prediction: Pavlychenkova in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Vera Zvonareva
The former World #2 has had an impressive tournament so far, beating the likes of Ekaterina Makarova and Julia Goerges, but it won’t get any easier against fellow Russian and World #12 Kasatkina. Zvonareva’s comeback to many has already been better than expected and maybe it could get even better this week. Her younger compatriot has lost her last four matches, just winning a single set. If there’s a time to play the talented Kasatkina–who made two Grand Slam quarterfinals last year–it’s now.
Prediction: Zvonareva in 3
Petra Kvitova vs Donna Vekic
Like everyone, I was also astonished the Australian Open finalist didn’t pull out of the event, given how much she has played lately. What’s more impressive though is how good the Czech looked in her first match against former World #1 Victoria Azarenka, albeit with a few hiccups. The World #30 Vekic could pose a threat in their first meeting but if Kvitova keeps playing anywhere near the level she’s shown so far this year she won’t lose.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
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