We get to see the last two of the women’s quarterfinal matches on Wednesday at Wimbledon, one of which is a rematch of last year’s final. Will Ons Jabeur get her revenge? And, in the other quarterfinal, can Madison Keys continue her incredible run? As always, our writers share their thoughts on both matches with you. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Jordan Reynolds, and Damian Kust. Who do you think will win?
Wimbledon Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Madison Keys
Jack:
On a roll, Madison Keys is a tough player to beat. She will take the racket out of your hands, particularly on this surface where the ball stays flat and low, and she has plenty of momentum having extended her win-streak to nine in a row. Now that Aryna Sabalenka’s found her rhythm, however, it’s hard to see a fellow power-player knocking her off the court. The flat strike soft Ekaterina Alexandrova? Dispatched 6-4 6-0 in the previous match. Elena Rybakina at the Australian Open? Defeated in a thriller in the final by the Belarusian. Sabalenka’s improvements have been substantial enough this year that she should be able to outhit Keys.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan:
Many felt Sabalenka would have a tough challenge against compatriot Ekaterina Alexandrova, but she ended up steamrolling her opponent. Keys retained her composure to recover against 16 year-old Mira Andreeva. The American is certainly the underdog, but should not be ruled out. She is such a clean ball striker when she is confident, and is capable of redirecting the pace generated by Sabalenka. She has also won the only match these two have played on grass, although it was two years ago. She will need to start quickly and not tentatively as she did against Andreeva. My gut instinct is Keys is capable of pushing Sabalenka if she is brave from the back of the court, but will come up short.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Damian:
Keys has been playing extremely well since Eastbourne and even did some nice problem-solving against Andreeva, starting to follow up her shots to the net more. This matchup is very different though and it will be a huge battle for dominance over the baseline. Not sure she’s equipped to handle what Sabalenka will be throwing at her. The Belarusian’s strength and weight of shot is the kind that can make it extremely tough for the opponent to play her usual brand of tennis.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Elena Rybakina vs Ons Jabeur
Jack:
There were question marks over Elena Rybakina’s health at the start of the tournament but she seems to have found her form. As much as Ons Jabeur will look to slice and dice her way to a different result from last year, the power disparity between the two players will be apparent in Rybakina’s serving performance. The Kazakhstani dropped her serve the first game of the tournament—she hasn’t done so again since. Though I’d be foolish to underrate the skills of Jabeur, the percentages should tip the way of the defending champion.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Jordan:
It’s a repeat of last year’s final, and both women have reasons to feel confident. Rybakina will be completely fresh after the unfortunate retirement of Beatriz Haddad Maia in the fourth round. Jabeur meanwhile was utterly outstanding in her demolition of two-time champion Petra Kvitová. The blunt power of Rybakina overwhelmed Jabeur’s variety last year. It’s a toss-up but I feel Jabeur will get her revenge. Her matches against Andreescu and Kvitová will have been the perfect preparation for dealing with Rybakina’s power, albeit it will be a step up in class. I think the Tunisian will have enough this time.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Damian:
A rematch for last year’s final takes place at the last eight stage this time around. Both players weren’t at their strongest in the warm-ups, but they’ve managed to turn it around in the main event. Just like in 2022, it seems like Rybakina should be the favorite. When she’s on, the serve and return game can be so overwhelming. Jabeur got some nice practice for this matchup in against Kvitova, although it has to be said that the Czech was quite far off her best in that one. Here, power over variety seems more likely to prevail.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Main Photo Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
