The WTA 500 tournament in Brisbane has featured some high-quality tennis over the course of the week, as the action heats up for the quarterfinals. Eight players remain in the tournament, as all competitors have their matches scheduled for Friday. LWOT predicts every match for the day’s action right here, featuring four Grand Slam champions and multiple young talents on the WTA Tour.
WTA Brisbane Quarterfinal Predictions
Linda Noskova vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-head: First meeting
This could be the birth of an exciting young rivalry, and both Noskova and Andreeva will be fired up for this match. Andreeva has been involved in all things tennis for the past month, taking on an ATP player in an exhibition, playing in the World Tennis League and ultimately having all the match reps needed for the start of the season. She’s been on a tear this week, losing only 10 games throughout three matches. On the other hand, Noskova lost 11 games in just her last match, winning a tough three-set match against Julia Riera. In addition, the Czech 19-year-old also prevailed in two other three-set matches this week. With Andreeva looking to reach a WTA tour-level final for the first time in her career, she should be able to get one step closer to that goal on Friday.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Anastasia Potapova vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Potapova 1-0
Rybakina continues to cruise in Brisbane, taking out veteran Elise Mertens 6-1 6-0 in the second round. She rarely looked challenged in her first-round match either and hasn’t lost serve yet. Potapova will be a step up for the World No. 4, but Potapova had to battle through consecutive long matches — her 7-5 6-7 (7) 6-4 upset victory over Veronika Kudermetova lasted well over the three-hour mark. This may be too tough of a rebound for the Russian, and look for Rybakina to capitalize on the occasion. Potapova’s one win over Rybakina came when both players were ranked just outside the Top 100.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jelena Ostapenko vs Victoria Azarenka
Head-to-head: Azarenka 2-0
This matchup should feature big-hitting and offensive tennis. It’s been a while since these two Grand Slam champions have met, as Azarenka claimed their last meeting at the 2021 BNP Paribas Open. Ostapenko has arguably had the tougher road to this point, taking out fellow hard-hitter Camila Giorgi and big-server Karolina Pliskova.
Azarenka managed to get 81 percent of her first serves in during her second-round victory over Clara Burel. Yet, when she wasn’t successful on the first serve, she won a mere 27 percent of points off the second serve. That statistic will be critical in this match, as Ostapenko can fire countless return winners off badly placed or slow second serves. Meanwhile, Ostapenko will need to focus on her consistency in this match. She’s prone to unforced errors during patches of play, while Azarenka is arguably the more consistent player on a good day. Either player can win this match, but I’m picking Azarenka to narrowly pull off the upset.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Daria Kasatkina
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 5-2
Historically, Sabalenka matches up well against Kasatkina’s style of play. Kasatkina did notch two wins over Sabalenka, but those came at times when the Belarusian wasn’t in top form; Sabalenka hit a surprising 20 double faults in her last loss to the Russian at the 2022 Silicon Valley Classic. In addition, Sabalenka has looked flawless so far in Brisbane, defeating Lin Zhu 6-0 6-1 in the second round.
Kasatkina did look impressive in her last Brisbane match, taking out the ninth-seed Magda Linette in straight sets. She must play counterpunching tennis and return well against Sabalenka’s powerful serve. Overall, Sabalenka has the ability to overpower opponents that rely on defense and counterpunching. The World No. 2 should progress to the semifinals, nearly one week away from the start of her title defense at the Australian Open.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
