The first two US Open women’s quarterfinal matches will be contested on Tuesday. We’re here to give you our thoughts on both of the matchups. Who will advance to the semis? Will Serena Williams continue her quest for Major #24? Sharing their thoughts today are Tracey Essex, Eric Han, Jim Smith, and Jay Sanhdu.
US Open Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Johanna Konta
Tracey:
Elina Svitolina eliminated Madison Keys in one of the cleanest performances. The Ukrainian’s service was stellar, to say the least. Svitolina won 35 of 38 points when she put her first serve in play. While the serve was the biggest weapon, the #5 easily absorbed Keys’ pace and retrieved well. These are the elements for which Johanna Konta will need to craft a strategy. In an amazing upset, Konta defeated the #3 seed Karolina Pliskova – but it took two and a half hour and 34 games. Fatigue will be a factor further challenged by Svitolina’s ability to put so many balls back in play. It’s been a great run for the Brit, but Svitolina will most likely end it with a straight sets win.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Eric:
Konta has never beaten Svitolina in her previous three meetings on Tour. But no doubt it should be a close one with so much on the line in this match. I’m leaning towards Svitolina simply because of the head-to-head record, and it should be a good three-setter.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Jay:
This is just a terrible matchup for Konta. Svitolina is too solid, too fast, and too disciplined for Konta, and has beaten the Brit four times. The World #5 is surely one of the big favorites for the title and I don’t see Konta finding a way past her in this form.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Jim:
This is a great chance for two players who are putting together quietly impressive years to reach the last four at the US Open. And there doesn’t look to be masses between them, with both women having played some excellent tennis so far in New York. But Svitolina leads the head-to-head 4-0 and has lost just two sets to the Briton. One rather suspects that there is a reason for that.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Serena Williams vs Qiang Wang
Tracey:
The consistency of Wang Qiang was more than Ashleigh Barty could sustain in their Round of 16 bout. The Chinese woman’s ability to get one more ball back requires a focused approach, one with the Aussie couldn’t endure. It’s interesting that Wang chalked up a win in her only meeting with Serena Williams. Yet, that happened at a time where Serena struggled with injury and questionable form. Not the case now as the American superstar has dominated throughout her US Open campaign. Serena simply has the power to blast Wang off the court. With the laser sharp focus from the #8 seed, I think Williams is clearly poised to finally earn the elusive 24th Slam title.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Eric:
It will be interesting to see how Williams’ ankle holds up, as she rolled it in her previous match. For Wang, she will not only have to face the arguably the greatest tennis player in her backyard, but also her home fans that will be rooting hard for her. It should be a good match, but Williams should eventually prevail assuming everything is fine with her.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Jay:
Wang has been the surprise of the tournament. She’s had a pretty mediocre year but has completely turned her form around. She is so solid from the baseline, but a defensive player can only do so much against Serena, whose powerful ground strokes can fire past the fastest of players. I don’t see Wang troubling Serena, unless she plays the perfect match.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Jim:
Williams had an injury when she rolled her ankle chasing down a short ball against Petra Martic, but other than that there has been little cause for concern for the great American. She has dropped just one set so far and played some great tennis. Wang, meanwhile, is enjoying the Grand Slam run of her life. But will she be able to stop the Williams juggernaut? Probably not.
Prediction: Williams in 3
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