After a thrilling start to the US Open, just eight women remain in contention in New York ahead of the quarterfinals. The entertaining action should continue with established names and rising stars alike set to take to the court and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for both quarterfinals on day nine. But who will claim a coveted semifinal place?
US Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Leylah Fernandez
Jim: Fernandez has made light of her lack of experience so far, stunning Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber in back-to-back matches to reach her first Grand Slam quarterfinal. Will she be able to raise her level once again to get past the in-form Svitolina. It’s certainly not impossible after what she has already accomplished, but it is a big ask for such a young player.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Andy: Having picked against both women in the previous round, it goes without saying that they produced superb performances to get here. Unsurprisingly it is Svitolina who has both the statistical and head-to-head advantage, but that doesn’t matter as much at this stage. Still, Fernandez has come through two tough three-set matches and, at some point, that will surely take a toll. The Canadian is likely to be the one who forces the play more, but Svitolina has also been more aggressive at this US Open. Another long match may be in store, but with the way that Fernandez is playing it is hard not to side with the youngster.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Fraser: Svitolina is in scintillating form and has won nine matches in a row for the loss of just one set. Fernandez, meanwhile, played some of the best tennis I’ve seen this year to edge out Kerber. The Canadian is proving to be a special player and has the tools to pull off the upset here. Svitolina is the better player at the moment and the favourite, but that may work against her by allowing Fernandez to play the same carefree tennis she has been all tournament. That freedom allows her to play at a level few can match and I expect it to get her through this match as well.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Anish: Svitolina has a knack for peaking at the right time. After a superb performance to win the bronze medal at the Olympics, she didn’t do very well at the two WTA 1000 events, but she has found form at the right time. Svitolina is yet to drop a set here at Flushing Meadows and she will be hoping to maintain that perfect record against Fernandez, who is having a dream run at the US Open. The Canadian has already upset Osaka and Kerber on her way to the quarterfinals. But her campaign might just end here against Svitolina.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Damian: Svitolina is rarely mentioned as one of the Grand Slam contenders, but her form is great at the moment. She won the WTA event in Chicago in the week before the US Open and is yet to lose a set this fortnight. Her path hasn’t been as tough as Fernandez’s though, with the 19-year-old eliminating Osaka and Kerber in three-set thrillers. Svitolina’s more defensive playstyle makes her a bit vulnerable to players like Fernandez. It’s probably a match the Canadian wins if she can maintain the level from her previous two rounds, but it might be too big of an ask at this stage of his career.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Yesh: Svitolina’s gift of a draw continues. Fernandez looks like a star of the future, but she’s also way over her head at this stage. The Ukrainian is playing well and with full confidence. She can outwork the Canadian in points far more effectively than Kerber, who tried to do the same but came up short.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
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Aryna Sabalenka vs Barbora Krejcikova
Jim: If Sabalenka plays her best tennis, she will win this match. Not just because Krejcikova looked rather worse for wear by the end of her quarterfinal victory over Garbine Muguruza – though that certainly does not count in the Czech’s favour – but also because she can take the racket out of just about anyone’s hands. This is the biggest test of her credentials so far, but she has shown enough over the last two months to suggest that she can pass it.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Andy: This should be a serve-dominated match. Both women have barely been broken across the entire tournament so it will be a case of which player is able to get a read on the other’s delivery. In their only meeting it was Sabalenka who came out on top in a tight three-setter. But Krejcikova has improved immensely since then and it seems she has forgotten how to lose. I am backing her to overturn the loss last time and reach the semifinals.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Fraser: Krejcikova survived a late surge from Muguruza to book her spot here. She now faces the unenviable task of trying to stop the wrecking ball that is Sabalenka. The Belarusian has put her Grand Slam issues firmly behind her and is playing some of her best tennis here in New York. She beat Elise Mertens for the loss of just five games last round and looks a favourite to win it all now that many of her biggest challengers have fallen away. Krejcikova probably can’t live with Sabalenka’s power and her court-craft may not be enough against a more patient and determined version of the Belarusian.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Anish: Sabalenka has dropped just one set in the tournament so far. Though she looked a bit shaky at times in her match against Mertens, she ultimately came through with ease. Right now, at her best no one seems to be able to challenge her. Krejcikova defeated Muguruza in the fourth round, impressing behind her serve with ten aces. The Czech will not give this up without a fight, but Sabalenka is playing very well at the moment and the fast courts clearly suit her game. I see Sabalenka advancing to the semifinals.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Damian: Sabalenka got over her Grand Slam struggles at Wimbledon and now finds herself in another quarterfinal. Her performance against Mertens was immaculate, perfectly balancing power with consistency. Both women have been playing with a lot of confidence so far with Krejcikova proving that her recent Grand Slam success isn’t going to be a one-off. But even if Sabalenka is yet to win a Grand Slam title, she has the higher ceiling and if she can control her baseline game again, she should come out on top.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Yesh: Krejcikova’s insane summer has continued at the US Open. The French Open champion (both singles and doubles) and Olympic Gold Medallist (just doubles) is playing so well, and it really came out of nowhere. Her defense is impeccable and her all-court game will frustrate Sabalenka enough to draw the necessary errors from the Belarusian’s racket.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
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