It’s quarterfinal day at WTA Open Monastir and there are some great matches in store for fans in Tunisia with all eight players still in contention no doubt determined to go all the way. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, but who will book their place in the semifinals?
WTA Monastir Quarterfinal Predictions
Elise Mertens vs Moyuka Uchijima
Head-to-head: first meeting
It’s been a strange year for Elise Mertens. Her results haven’t been great with only three quarterfinals to show for her efforts (this is her third) yet her tennis has still been stellar at times. It feels as though she’s been so close yet so far to getting to the latter stages of tournaments. A first time meeting with Moyuka Uchijima may be just what the doctor ordered to close her lacklustre season with a bang. We’ll take some rusty form into account but don’t be fooled by the Belgian’s ranking – she’s still got what it takes to reach her first semifinal of the year.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
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Alizé Cornet vs Tamara Zidansek
Head-to-head: Cornet 1-0 Zidansek
Tamara Zidansek hits a heavy forehand, heavy enough that this isn’t her first appearance in a hard-court quarterfinal. Nonetheless this isn’t her favourite surface and it can sometimes show – her lesser wing can look vulnerable in quick conditions. Alizé Cornet and Zidansek have played once before. After a slow start, Cornet was able to grab the win on the hard-courts of Melbourne. If Cornet can find her level quickly enough, the combination of Zidansek being out her element on hard and potential fatigue in the legs after two tough matches should be enough for Cornet to find a way through.
Prediction: Cornet in 2
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Veronika Kudermetova vs Diane Parry
Head-to-head: first meeting
Though it may surprise casual tennis watchers, Veronika Kudermetova has been one of the most consistent players this year. She has played 13 hard-court events this year and she’s won at least two matches in 11 of those events. In a time on the tour plagued by inconsistency, Kudermetova’s massive serve and reliable groundstrokes are a breath of fresh air. Though it’s unclear when Diane Parry’s trajectory will properly sky-rocket, it’s safe to assume she’s still in the early stages of her hard-court career at least. Her one-hander will be properly tested against Kudermetova’s huge first-serve delivery. Taking the match-up, form and inexperience into account, the match should be over in straight sets.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
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Ons Jabeur vs Claire Liu
Head-to-head: first meeting
Ons Jabeur is playing in Tunisia. Expecting a nervy performance or two from Jabeur? In her first two matches so far, you’ll be pleased to hear the Tunisian has been in full flow. In a year where she’s been brimming with confidence, she’s taken that confidence and then some to her home country. Claire Liu is a great mover and can normally cover her both of her serves fairly well. But with Jabeur returning the way she is, it’s difficult to see how Liu wins enough points to keep it competitive. There’s always the chance of a below-par performance from Jabeur but it just feels as though she’s on a mission in Monastir.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
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