The 2023 WTA Ningbo Open enters its quarterfinal stage on Thursday. The top two seeds are still in the draw (Ons Jabeur and Petra Kvitova), along with a bunch of other interesting contenders. Who do you think will make the final four?
WTA Ningbo Quarterfinal Predictions
Lucia Bronzetti vs Linda Fruhvirtova
Head-to-head: Bronzetti 1-0
Linda Fruhvirtova arrived in Ningbo on a nine-match losing streak, which she managed to break when Rebeka Masarova retired against her. But credit where it’s due, she’s done well to keep it up by defeating Anna Blinkova on Wednesday. Lucia Bronzetti’s not as talented, but has a lot more experience and has been playing solid stuff week in, week out. Think this will be Fruhvirtova’s toughest challenge so far.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 3
Katerina Siniakova vs Nadia Podoroska
Head-to-head: First meeting
Nadia Podoroska’s more often mentioned for her clay-court skills and yet it’s not like she’s not a competent player on other surfaces. Katerina Siniakova has had such a weird year with a WTA Tour title, but also plenty of injuries and recently a seven-match losing streak. She broke that this week in Ningbo and generally speaking, Podoroska is an opponent she should be beating on hard. Will she show the issues with her form are truly past her?
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
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Diana Shnaider vs Petra Kvitova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Even at 33 years of age now, Petra Kvitova can still produce tennis of extremely high quality and she’s been very impressive this season with an excellent win rate. Diana Shnaider could join that top echelon of the sport in some time and she’s an exciting prospect. The 2-time Grand Slam champion remains the favorite in their clash for now, but a win like this would be a great way of announcing herself for the Russian.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Ons Jabeur vs Vera Zvonareva
Head-to-head: Jabeur 2-1
This is already such a massive run for Vera Zvonareva. The former World No. 2 is not playing a full schedule anymore, but still shows she can be dangerous from time to time. Ons Jabeur is on a different level compared to what she’s had to face so far, especially with Clara Tauson retiring from their match. Even last year, she was able to push the Tunisian very close in Dubai. Expect this one to be more straightforward.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
