It promises to be a high-quality WTA quarterfinal day in Auckland, with six of the top eight seeds still in the draw. Last year’s US Open champion Coco Gauff will look to build further early-season momentum by claiming another win. As always, we at LWOT predict the outcomes of all the matches in Auckland, and at the tournaments taking place. But which players do you think will reach the semifinal?
WTA Auckland Quarterfinal Predictions
Emma Navarro vs Petra Martic
Head-to-head: Martic 1-0 Navarro
These two have had similar journeys to this stage. Navarro recovered from a set down against Linda Fruhvirtova, before winning her next round easily. Martic also also won after losing the first set against Rebeka Masarova, and then triumphed much more comfortably against Yue Yuan in round two. Both players are generally most comfortable on clay, but have looked strong on the Auckland Courts. This is likely to be tight. Martic does possess more variety in her game, which can disrupt Navarro, who prefers a more consistent pace in the rallies. That may give her the former French Open quarterfinalist a slight edge, but this could go either way.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Xiyu Wang vs Diane Parry
Head-to-head: Wang 1-0 Parry
Both players have fought very hard to reach this stage. Wang has won each of her matches in a final-set tiebreak, while Parry recovered from a set down in both her previous rounds. Each woman will try to be aggressive and take control of the rallies. Wang will seek to find the one-handed Parry backhand as often as possible, which is her weaker wing by a considerable margin. This is also likely to be close, but Parry gets a slight advantage. Her formidable forehand looked ominously good in the last set of her previous round, and Wang may be fatigued after two very long matches.
Prediction: Parry in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-head: Svitolina 2-1 Bouzkova
Both these players were outstanding in their previous rounds. Last year’s Wimbledon semifinalist Svitolina played a superb match with Emma Raducanu. The Brit matched her high level for two sets, before running out of steam, allowing Svitolina to prevail 6-7 7-6 6-1. By contrast, Amanda Ansimova had no answer to the quality tennis Bouzkova produced, and the Czech only dropped one game. Svitolina has played a much more aggressive style since her comeback last year, and that will help her here, since she was fatigued after her last round by her own admission. Nevertheless, Bouzkova is one of the best on the WTA Tour at putting balls back into court. I think she will do it enough times to outlast the Ukrainian over three sets.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Coco Gauff vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Gauff was expected to win her opening two rounds. However, the manner in which she did it both times was still impressive, and is positive momentum to build from. Gracheva is a solid all-round player. The Frenchwoman moves around the court well, and is capable of being aggressive. Yet, she does not possess a major weapon in her armory. Without that, it is difficult to see how Gracheva will be able to cause Gauff enough problems to cause an upset, without the 19-year-old having an off-day. It is hard to foresee anything but another win for the world #3.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
