Despite some rain, we have had terrific battles around the grounds of WTA Charleston this week. The quarterfinals are set and should deliver as we approach the weekend in South Carolina. No. 1 seed Jessica Pegula takes on a revived Victoria Azarenka in the match of the day. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for all matches around the grounds of the Charleston Open. But who will advance to the semis?
WTA Charleston Quarterfinal Predictions
Daria Kasatkina vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-Head: Kasatkina 1-0 Cristian
Daria Kasatkina has always been a solid clay-court player and should sense an excellent opportunity to reach a 500-level title at WTA Charleston. That said, there will be no walk in the park against Jaqueline Cristian, who is coming off wins over Madison Keys and Emma Navarro. Cristian always seems to raise her level on the clay, but does she have what it takes to dig in against Kasatkina? Give me the Russian in a tight two-setter.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head-to-Head: Sakkari 3-1 Kudermetova
Maria Sakkari has won her last three matches over Veronika Kudermetova. She is 10-2 since the beginning of the Sunshine Double and finally seems to be regaining some form after an inauspicious start to the season. Kudermetova has won back-to-back matches for the first time since September. She is back on her favorite surface and should be a legitimate contender over the next few months. This should be a back-and-forth battle, but I give the slight edge to Sakkari and her current form.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Danielle Collins vs Elise Mertens
Head-to-Head: Collins 3-3 Mertens
Will Danielle Collins ever lose again? The 30-year-old American has backed up her Miami title with three impressive wins at WTA Charleston, with wins over Paula Badosa, Ons Jabeur, and Sloane Stephens. Her current form and confidence are unmatched by anyone on the WTA Tour. Elise Mertens dominated No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina in the last round, but I would be crazy to pick against Collins in this match.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Victoria Azarenka
Head-to-Head: Pegula 2-3 Azarenka
No. 1 seed Jessica Pegula is still searching for her first title of the season and should be the favorite on home soil. She faces a tricky quarterfinal bout as Victoria Azarenka has won six of her last seven matches. Azarenka has only played 21 clay-court matches over the previous four seasons (compared to 39 from Pegula). Although Azarenka has had clay success throughout her career, the transition back onto the surface often becomes magnitude against elite players. This should be an exciting battle with incredible ball striking. Give me Pegula in a tight three-setter.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
