All quarterfinal matches are now set at the 2023 Citi Open. The evening session is supposed to start with a blockbuster between Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic. Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Washington Quarterfinal Predictions
Liudmila Samsonova vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: Samsonova 2-0
Liudmila Samsonova won this tournament last year. It was a WTA 250 back then though, so she only needs a final to defend her points. She’s woken up at the right time after a relatively unimpressive campaign, crushing Danielle Collins and Sorana Cirstea. This could also be a big event for Marta Kostyuk, who’s felt very close to a breakthrough the past couple of years. Her wins over Bianca Andreescu and Caroline Garcia were great, but Samsonova leads the head-to-head and could be tougher to stop if she’s truly found her last year’s level.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Elina Svitolina
Head-to-head: Pegula 2-1
These two played three times in the 2021 season, ranging from a Jessica Pegula beatdown at Indian Wells to a tight clash at the Australian Open. Elina Svitolina has recently returned from a pregnancy leave and she’s been unbelievable since, hitting more aggressively and showing a new layer to her game. She’s also been unstoppable in Washington, taking out Victoria Azarenka and Daria Kasatkina in style. The bigger forehand she has now could help her in this matchup, although it’s really close and Pegula’s steady excellence will also be an asset.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
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Maria Sakkari vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: Sakkari 3-0
This hasn’t been a good matchup for Madison Keys historically with her only taking one set in three meetings. Maria Sakkari can stand up to her power and makes it tough for the American to control the baseline like she wants to. This could be a great opportunity for Keys to start turning things around though. Sakkari had to play twice on Friday and while her match wasn’t overly physical, this might be a key factor if it goes three. Keys usually finds her best tennis for this part of the season too. Prediction: Keys in 3
Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic
Head-to-head: Bencic 1-0
Coco Gauff maintains a very high-ranking by simply beating who she’s supposed to beat, but it doesn’t feel like she’s made progress this year. Meanwhile, Belinda Bencic struggled with some injuries. She has been killing this level of competition though, winning WTA 500s in Abu Dhabi and Adelaide, plus making the final in Charleston. Despite the previous head-to-head win, she’d probably enjoy herself more in this matchup if Gauff was a more offensive player. Her flat strokes should still be fairly tough for the American to handle though.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
