A mere hundred miles from the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, eight women look to fight for a WTA 500 title in San Diego on Friday. Among the stars in action, Jessica Pegula will look for her first title of 2024, while upset stars like Daria Saville and Katie Boulter feature. Who will reach the semifinals?
WTA San Diego Quarterfinal Predictions
Daria Saville vs Emma Navarro
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fans will have to pay attention to Navarro over the next few months, as she has risen dramatically up the WTA rankings. After winning her first career title in January at the WTA 250 in Hobart, the American sits comfortably in the Top 30. Saville, looking to reclaim her best form after injury struggles, saved match points in her second-round win over Tatjana Maria. I give the edge to Navarro, with her calmness and confidence on the court pushing her past the Aussie.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Donna Vekic vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: First meeting
Vekic survived a minor scare in her second-round match on Thursday, battling in a three-set shootout against qualifier Marina Stakusic, the World No. 283. This is the first meeting between the two, yet they were slated to play on two other occasions before injuries occurred in 2018 and 2019. Boulter seems to be at a higher level of tennis right now — she took out Beatriz Haddad Maia on Thursday for her fourth WTA Top 20 win, winning 3-6 6-3 6-4. Look for her to continue her momentum on Friday.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: Pavlyuchenkova 1-0
Kostyuk had to retire in her last tournament appearance in Doha, but she’s looked solid this week in the States. However, Pavlyuchenkova is just too good. The Russian may have had a frustrating career in terms of total achievement, but her talent is undeniable. As for Kostyuk, there should be some pressure on her–she elected not to defend her maiden WTA 250 title in Austin last year. Expecting a long, three-set match as a result.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: Pegula 2-0
It’s been smooth sailing for Pegula so far in California, but she hasn’t had as much matchplay compared to Blinkova. On the other hand, Blinkova achieved two solid victories, and by no means being the heavy favorite. After taking out Caroline Wozniacki and Daryna Yastremska, the latter an Australian Open semifinalist, look for her to push the American early on. Pegula should gradually become more consistent as the match goes on. I expect another semifinal appearance for her in San Diego. Pegula won 6-2 6-0 in the pair’s last meeting.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
