We’re down to the last eight ladies whose quest for the title is still alive at the Hobart International. Yesterday, sixth seeded Magda Linette fell in straight sets to a motivated Lauren Davis. Also dismissed was Kristyna Pliskova, whose powerful lefty forehand often missed its mark.
Who will punch their ticket to the semifinals?
Hobart International Quarterfinal Predictions
Lauren Davis vs Zhang Shuai
Head to head: Davis 1-1 Zhang
Lauren Davis and Zhang Shuai meet in the quarterfinal in Hobart. With two players whose games are hallmarked by long rallies and good movement, expect this one to last a while. In her last match, Davis came through in straight sets. The American exited Poland’s Magda Linette with her barrage of balls. Linette was unable to keep pace building points with Davis’ speed. It was a determined and gritty performance from Davis.
Zhang dropped the first set to Kateryna Kozlova, but stormed back to take the next two sets dropping just three games. The Chinese can deconstruct her opponents’ games to find a way to win. Sure, it may take a set for Zhang to figure it out. But, Zhang has the ability to do just that.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Elise Mertens vs Heather Watson
Head to head: Mertens 3-0 Watson
Elise Mertens shows no signs of leaving Hobart anytime soon. The Belgian has yet to drop a set en route to her quarterfinal berth. Against Viktoria Kuzmova, Mertens gave up a single game in her commanding win. While Heather Watson has done well to reach the quarterfinals, it’s doubtful that she can go toe to toe with an inform Mertens.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Lizette Cabrera
Head to head: Rybakina 1-0 Cabrera
The Australian crowd was deafening when their countrywoman exited Kristyna Pliskova. In a three set battle, Lizette Cabrera used her powerful forehand to exploit Pliskova’s deficient movement. Blasting winners up the line and wrong-footing the Czech, the Aussie turned in a powerful and confident performance. Can she do the same when she squares off against Elena Rybakina?
Rybakina has yet to concede a set in Hobart. The Kazakh has been spraying winners off both wings and spot on service. She may yield a set as she works through the Aussie’s strategic power. Yet, directing shots to the Cabrera weaker backhand wing will yield the results to reach the semis.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Veronika Kudermetova vs Garbine Muguruza
Head to head: First meeting
Garbine Muguruza is returning to the championship form which saw her claim to Slam titles and reach World #1. Of course, there are some lapses when the Spaniard doesn’t play her best. But, it far above her 2019 level. Overall, a great start to 2020.
Veronika Kudermetova has yet to drop a set. In fact, the Russian has yielded a mere 11 games in two matches. It’s obvious that Kudermetova is playing solid, in form tennis. Though, that may well change as Muguruza will present the biggest challenge thus far.
With two strong, aggressive hitters, this match should move quickly. It will be interesting to see if Muguruza’s mental fortitude will withstand the Kudermetova onslaught. I think we’re looking at three set battle, but Muguruza will prevail.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
Disagree with our Hobart International Quarterfinal Predictions? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
