The last of the Chinese contenders washed out at the Wuhan Open. Wang Qiang fell in straight sets to American Alison Riske, ending China’s hopes for a champion on home soil.
After an exceptional win over Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, the Russian qualifier Veronika Kudermetova couldn’t find a way past Croatia’s Petra Martic. Perhaps the letdown following a major win contributed to Kudermetova’s 3-6, 1-6 Round of 16 loss.
Simona Halep felt a sharp pain when hitting a beautiful down-the-line backhand in her third round clash with rising star Elena Rybakina. After a medical timeout, Halep attempted one more game before yielding to the pain. It’s unknown the extent of the injury or how soon Halep will return to action. But, this is a great opportunity for the 20-year-old Kazakh who moves into her first Premier 5 quarterfinal.
We’re down to the final eight at the Wuhan Open with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the hunt to defend her title. Young guns Dayana Yastremska and Elena Rybakina look to make the most of this quarterfinal opportunity. World #1 Ash Barty is now secure in her ranking and is looking to stretch that lead with a win in Wuhan. Who will we see in the semis?
Wuhan Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka
Head to head: First meeting
What should have been a challenging match for Aryna Sabalenka was anything but. The Belarussian commanded, taking the first set 6-1. The second set was not as straightforward. At 1-5 down, Kiki Bertens rifled off five consecutive games. The #9 seed remained solid throughout the tiebreak, eventually bouncing Bertens 11-9 and setting up a quarterfinal clash against Elena Rybakina.
Elena Rybakina had played two, tough three setters en route to the Round of 16. When Simona Halep was forced to retire with a back injury, Rybakina earned her first ever WTA Premier 5 quarterfinal. Playing with nothing to lose allowed the Kazakh the freedom to go for her shots, and it was a strategy which seemed to work for the 20-year-old. Trading breaks with Halep kept Rybakina in touch until Halep felt sharp pain at 4-all. Rybakina is a capable albeit inexperienced player. I think she’ll be able to give Sabalenka a run for her money. However, I see Sabalenka too strong for the Kazakh.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Petra Kvitova vs Dayana Yastremska
Head to head: First meeting
Dayana Yastremska came out strong against Karolina Pliskova. The #2 seed was stunned by a straight sets loss at the hands of the rising teen. Yastremska simply outserved the Tour’s ace leader and blasted her way into her second quarterfinal of the year. The 19-year-old Ukrainian will be looking for her second win over at Top 10 player when she meets Petra Kvitova.
The Czech superstar claimed a straight sets win over American Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-3, in 69 minutes of third round action. With just 55% of her first service attempts in play, the #5 seed capitalized off the Stephens serve with blistering returns to create three service breaks. After an injury prone season, Kvitova should feel confident about her chances for a third Wuhan title.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Alison Riske vs Elina Svitolina
Head to head: Riske 0-3 Svitolina
Alison Riske is on a roll at the Wuhan Open. The American dropped but three games in her Round of 16 win over Chinese Wang Qiang. Every piece of the Riske game was on full display, serving 73% first ball in play and breaking the Wang serve on five of 12 opportunities. It was a commanding performance from the World #35 which sent her to her fourth quarterfinal in 2019. Against an in-form Elina Svitolina, Riske will certainly be challenged.
The Wuhan #3 seed routed two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 6-2. The Ukrainian has shown her court prowess with her stellar defense and offense. Svitolina’s easy ability to switch from defense to offense has propelled her to an elite level. While Svitolina hasn’t lifted a trophy yet in 2019, she’s in a great position to make her bid for the Wuhan title. It should be smooth sailing for Svitolina to reach the semis.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Ashleigh Barty vs Petra Martic
Head to head: Barty 1-0 Martic
It was a clean and commanding performance from Petra Martic, dashing the hopes of young Russian Veronika Kudermetova. While the Croat served 58% first ball in play, she won 85% behind the first serve and saved three break points. Martic’s solid return of serve allowed her to break Kudermetova on four of six chances. Dropping just four games en route to her victory should further Martic’s already high confidence. Yet, waiting for her in the quarterfinals is top-seed Ashleigh Barty, who’s returned to her consistent and crafty best.
Barty will retain her World #1 ranking, thanks to Karolina Pliskova’s Round of 16 exit. Surely one less thing to think about will help the top seed remain focused. The strategic problem-solver worked through Sofia Kenin, combining solid serving and crafty play. Bringing in the young American with deft drop shots only to execute a sublime lob left Kenin with no answer for the stellar Barty play. When Barty is playing at this level, I see her lifting the trophy on Saturday.
Prediction: Barty in 2
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