The stars will be out on Friday in Berlin, that’s for sure. The top four seeds made it to the quarterfinals at the WTA 500 and the challengers are extremely strong as well. We’ve got matches like World No. 2 Coco Gauff against two-time Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur on the schedule. Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Berlin Quarterfinal Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-head: Pegula 2-1
This might be the closest of the four quarterfinals with Jessica Pegula just coming back from injury and Katerina Siniakova possessing all the necessary tools to succeed on grass. The Czech is a beast in doubles and here’s when she can tap into these skills in her singles game as well. In fact, that’s what she did when she defeated Pegula in Bad Homburg three years ago (or won the title there in 2023). She should have a pretty nice shot to get this upset again.
Predictions: Siniakova in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Rybakina 4-0
The head-to-head feels extremely lopsided and while Elena Rybakina emerged way after Victoria Azarenka’s prime, a big server like this might not allow the Belarusian to showcase the quality of her aggressive return. The underdog can take solace in the fact that their last meeting was really close though and only had Rybakina winning 7-6 in the 3rd set. The Wimbledon champion has to be the favorite here, but don’t write Azarenka off completely.
Predictions: Rybakina in 2
Anna Kalinskaya vs Aryna Sabalenka
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 3-1
Anna Kalinskaya’s game is a good fit for any slick, lower-bouncing court with how early she takes the ball. The question though is whether she’ll be able to do it against someone with as much weight of shot as Aryna Sabalenka. The Russian might have a hard time playing front-foot tennis and taking time away here. That’s probably what will decide this match – who gets to impose their playstyle more on the opponent. Sabalenka seems like the right answer.
Predictions: Sabalenka in 2
Coco Gauff vs Ons Jabeur
Head-to-head: Gauff 5-2
Coco Gauff has opened up a pretty sizeable lead in the head-to-head against Ons Jabeur now, but guess who won their only grass court meeting. While it was this surface that gave the American her breakthrough at Wimbledon years back, she’s yet to properly shine on it. The same cannot be said about two-time Wimbledon runner-up Jabeur, who specializes in natural surfaces. They suit her variety and ability to take time away, giving her a small edge in the Gauff matchup on grass.
Predictions: Jabeur in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
