The quarterfinal matches have been set at the WTA Libema Open in Den Bosch, Netherlands. Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Belinda Bencic have made impressive starts to their campaigns, and are both yet to drop a set. As throughout the week, we will be offering up our predictions on the day’s action. So, who will book their spot in the semifinals?
WTA Den Bosch Quarterfinal Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Alison Van Uytvanck
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 1 – 1 Van Uytvanck
Sabalenka seems to be kicking off her grass court season very well. Throughout her first two matches, she’s lost just 10 games and looks very strong this week. She’ll no doubt be aiming for a big run here given she won’t be allowed to compete at Wimbledon in a few weeks time.
Van Uytvanck has also looked impressive this week, notching up a comprehensive win over 8th seed Elise Mertens. The pair have split wins in their head-to-head, with Van Uytvanck winning their only grass court encounter in Mallorca back in 2018. This should be a great contest – they’re both in good form and can challenge each other on this surface. I’ll give the edge to Sabalenka as she looks good this week and will no doubt be extra motivated.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Catherine McNally
Head-to-head: McNally 1 – 0 Alexandrova
This should be an excellent match. McNally came brilliantly though qualifying before smashing her way through 4th seed Tamara Zidanšek. The American will no doubt be flying her on confidence right now and will relish another crack at a seeded player.
Alexandrova dropped a set in her first round but looked comfortable in her win over the dangerous Anhelina Kalinina. The last and only time these two played was at the 2020 US Open, which McNally won in a tight three set match. I can see this one going the distance again given they’re both finding some top form, and I think McNally will get past another seed here.
Prediction: McNally in 3
Shelby Rogers vs Kirsten Flipkens
Head-to-head: Rogers 1 – 1 Flipkens
Shelby Rogers is another player who is hitting some lovely form on the grass. Still yet to drop a set, she’s lost just 12 games on her way to the quarterfinals. Her dominant 6-2 6-4 victory over 3rd seed Elina Rybakina surely sent out a message tot the rest of the draw. She is always a tough customer and can cause trouble for anyone she’s up against – and could be a contender this week.
Flipkens is still going strong at 36-years-old, and obliterated Ann Li 6-1 6-1 on Thursday. Despite seeming in good form, I think Rogers will be too strong here. When she’s on a role she’s very tough to stop, and I’m not sure Flipkens will be able to handle the intensity coming from the other side of the net.
Prediction: Rogers in 2
Belinda Bencic vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head-to-head: Bencic 4 – 3 Kudermetova
Definitely the standout encounter of the day. Bencic hasn’t had it completely all her way this week, but hasn’t dropped a set and continues to impose herself around the top of the WTA tour. This will be her eighth encounter with Kudermetova, and the pair have split wins on this surface.
Kudermetova looked to be in trouble against Anna Blinkova, but the Russian had to retire due to injury in the second set. Kudermetova is a very solid player and she is clearly capable of causing Bencic trouble, as their tight head-to-head implies. I think Bencic is the favourite here – she’s playing consistently good tennis these days and seems to be very comfortable on the grass. It should be close, though.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
