As the 2019 US Open heads towards its climax, just eight women are left in contention for the title in New York. Here at LWOT, we are offering our predictions for all four of the quarterfinal matchups, including Rogers Cup champion Bianca Andreescu’s clash with former-Australian Open semifinalist Elise Mertens. Offering their picks for this slate of matches are Jim Smith, Damian Kust, Tracey Essex and Harsh Bhoot.
US Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Donna Vekic vs Belinda Bencic
Jim: Donna Vekic and Belinda Bencic have been quietly very impressive so far at the US Open and this promises to be an entertaining battle. Neither is blessed with massive power, but both are amongst the cleanest ball strikers on the WTA tour. But Bencic has had the better of their rivalry, winning their only previous clash on a hard court. Expect her to edge this one.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Damian: Bencic has more top ten scalps than anyone else this season, but had gone slightly under the radar until she beat top seed and defending champion Naomi Osaka in the last eight. Their last match ended with a surprisingly comfortable win for Vekic at Roland Garros, but this surface should favour Bencic. The Swiss is able to create some fantastic angles with her clean ball striking and will come into this one with a ton of confidence.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Tracey: Vekic certainly had a challenge in her Round of 16 match against Julia Gorges. The Croat showed exceptional mental toughness to defeat the German after saving a match point. Vekic will need to up her first serve percentage against Belinda Bencic as 56% just won’t do. Bencic is returning superbly, particularly against second serves. Expect her to create and capitalize on plenty of break opportunities. This match is on the Swiss’ racquet and Bencic will move on to the semifinals.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Harsh: Bencic played an exceptional match against Osaka, protecting her serve and countering the explosive power of Osaka with her superior defence. Vekic, meanwhile, is playing her first Grand Slam quarterfinal on the back of a great comeback against Goerges. They’ve split their last two meetings with Vekic winning the most recent one at this year’s French Open. This match looks like a three-setter with long-baseline exchanges. Whilst Vekic has had a great run so far, Bencic looks supremely confident and her game should pose too many problems for Vekic to solve.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
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Bianca Andreescu vs Elise Mertens
Jim: Andreescu did well to survive a second-set fightback from Taylor Townsend in the fourth round, eventually completing a 6-1 4-6 6-2 win. The Canadian is clearly full of confidence and looks to have a real chance of going all the way in New York. But she will need to be at her very best to get the better of Mertens, who has found a rich vein of form. But lately, Andreescu has been finding a way to win almost no matter what. Expect that to continue.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Damian: The match against Townsend was a first real test for the Canadian youngster, especially due to the behaviour of the crowd. Andreescu had to endure people shouting ‘double fault’ before her second serves and other attempts at breaking her confidence. Mertens has done well so far and is yet to drop a set, but she has yet to face an opponent of this quality. There’s no one playing better than the Canadian right now. Andreescu has every shot in the book and expect that variety and power to give her the decisive edge.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Tracey: Andreescu and Mertens have demonstrated exceptional defense during their previous four matches. Mertens hasn’t dropped a set yet, losing a mere just 16 games. But she hasn’t squared off against an elite player. The Canadian has been solid in Flushing Meadows and hadn’t dropped a set until her round of 16 bout against American Townsend. In this quarterfinal match, you have two seeded player in exceptional form and defending well. It’ll be a tough, three-set battle, but I expect Andreescu’s determination will pull her through to the semifinals.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Harsh: Mertens and Andreescu square off for the very first time and it looks like the Belgian has a tough task on her hands. Andreescu played with great freedom in August and is lighting up New York. Mertens has the experience when it comes to Grand Slams but it’s hard to see how her game can hurt Andreescu. The Canadian has the superior firepower and she’s anticipating really well. Andreescu is carrying too much form into this match to let it go.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
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