There have been many superb matches played so far at the WTA Birmingham Classic. The action promises to be get even more entertaining at the quarterfinal stage. 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova and former US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez are among the players set to feature. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for all four quarterfinals. But which players do you think will progress to the semifinals?
WTA Birmingham Quarterfinal Predictions
Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: Cocciaretto 2-0 Shnaider
Cocciaretto is in great form right now. She backed up her run to the fourth-round of the French Open with two outstanding performances in Birmingham against the defending champion Jelena Ostapenko and Sloane Stephens. Shnaider also played very well to beat Marie Bouzkova in the last round with a powerful display. Cocciaretto does not possess blistering power but she does strike the ball more cleanly than Bouzkova. Combined with her excellent movement, her overall game is hard to stop right now, meaning Shnaider has her work cut out here.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-head: Putintseva 1-0 Dolehide
Both players have struggled on grass in the past. That makes their respective performances at the tournament so far slightly surprising, although Putintseva has enjoyed an excellent year so far overall. Despite this, Dolehide is backed to cause an upset in this matchup. On grass especially, Dolehide’s game is most suited to playing against players without much power. Although Putintseva is one of the craftiest players in the women’s game, she does not hit the ball with much pace. That could be what makes the difference.
Prediction: Dolehide in 3
Barbora Krejcikova vs Anastasia Potapova
Head-to-head: Krejcikova 1-1 Potapova
Last year’s runner-up Krejcikova has returned to form in Birmingham, after struggling during the clay-court season. Her previous win against Potapova came on a fast hard court in Dubai, while the Russian’s victory was on clay. Although Krejcikova’s sole Grand Slam triumph came at Roland-Garros, the Czech is generally more adept at playing on quicker surfaces than Potapova. At their best, Krejcikova’s groundstrokes will leave Potapova feeling rushed throughout the match.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fernandez recently mentioned that her relationship with grass is “still in the talking stage.” Yet, her performances so far in Birmingham have been very strong, including an impressive comeback against former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Viktorija Golubic in the last round. Tomljanovic, who is also a Wimbledon quarterfinalist, has thrived on her favourite surface after some struggles since returning from an injury. This could be a tight battle, but Fernandez is favoured to progress. Her consistent intensity on-court and how early she takes the ball might be a step too far for Tomljanovic, even on her best surface.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
