We have reached the quarterfinal round of the women’s singles event at the Paris Olympics. Eight women still have dreams of Gold left, and that will be down to four by Wednesday evening. Everyone who wins on quarterfinal day will at least have a match for a medal, while the losers go home emptyhanded. So who do you think will advance? Our writers share their thoughts on all four matches. Predicting the matches are Jordan Reynolds, Ateet Shrivastava, and Andreas Pelekis.
Paris Olympics Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Angelique Kerber (Germany) vs Qinwen Zheng (China)
Jordan:
Many in the tennis world are routing for Kerber to win a medal in her final tournament before retiring, which would be extraordinary. The German has a chance if she plays as well as the last round against Leylah Fernandez. The conditions could be the deciding factor against Zheng. This match will be played during the day, when the courts are faster and bouncier. Zheng thrives most in those conditions, giving her a strong chance of stopping Kerber’s run.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Ateet:
What a run this is for Angelique Kerber! She can be proud of making the quarterfinals of the Olympics as her last tournament. One more win and she will be guaranteed a chance to fight for a medal. She is returning well and if she can tide up her serve, she will be a threat to Zheng. The Chinese No.1 saved a match point in the second set to beat Emma Navarro. She was down a break multiple times in the second set but kept fighting and got the reward. Zheng will need to be better against Kerber to reach the semifinals.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Andreas:
The dream run for Kerber lives on, and the German is perhaps playing better slightly better tennis than Zheng at the moment. While Zheng tends to play better on clay, she recently survived a close match against Emma Navarro, winning after over three hours. Kerber, meanwhile, is using her forehand and speed confidently, recently taking out Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3. This feels like a 50-50 matchup, but I like Kerber’s defense and counterpunching to throw the Chinese No. 1 off her game.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic) vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (Slovakia)
Jordan:
Krejcikova will be wary of Schmiedlova, whose ball-striking was tremendous against Jasmine Paolini. However, it is hard to go against the Czech right now. She is one of the smartest players on the court and has all the tools available to throw Schmiedlova out of the rhythm she likes to play with.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Ateet:
Krejcikova is now on a 10-match win streak as she defeated Elina Svitolina to reach the quarterfinals in singles for the first time. Krejcikova already has a Gold Medal in doubles and she looks strong to fight for it in singles. Schmiedlova is on an excellent run herself as she beat Jasmine Paolini, who has been in tremendous form. Probably the best win of her career and she wouldn’t want to stop here. Schmiedlova will be challenging but Krejcikova has the edge.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Andreas:
Schmiedlova is having quite the week in Paris, stunning Roland Garros finalist Jasmine Paolini 7-5 3-6 7-5 on Tuesday. Krejcikova also had to battle through a close three-setter against Elina Svitolina. Krejcikova is prone to inconsistent tennis on a rough day like Paolini, but playing against more defensive players like Svitolina and Sorribes Tormo may prepare her better for this matchup. Schmiedlova won’t hit Krejcikova off the court, but she’ll have to take advantage of big points and force errors. Look for the Wimbledon champion to win in two close sets.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Donna Vekic (Croatia) vs Marta Kostyuk (Ukraine)
Jordan:
This is a fascinating matchup between two players who have enjoyed breakthrough seasons. Vekic possesses greater power and has the confidence from knocking out Coco Gauff. Despite this, I am backing Kostyuk, who has slipped somewhat under the radar in Paris. She is very adept at extending the rallies, and has a game to trouble Vekic if she is at her best.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Ateet:
There were so many upsets on the women’s side but none bigger than Vekic beating Coco Gauff. Vekic showed incredible resistance in the first set to fight off multiple set points and win. She was hitting her forehand extremely well and was clutch behind the serve. Marta Kostyuk is such a fighter and truly deserves this moment. She has found her form at the right time and can frustrate Vekic with her defense. These two met at the French Open recently where Vekic won a close two-setter and I expect a similar outcome.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Andreas:
Both players are coming off Top 10 victories, with Vekic’s win arugably the more impressive. The Croat did well to fight through a tight first set against Coco Gauff, before forcing Gauff into a slew of unforced errors in the second set. With more matches on the big stadium for Vekic, that may give her the slightest bit more confidence against Kostyuk. Vekic also won the pair’s only meeting just recently at this same venue in May. Kostyuk will have to play agressive and avoid Vekic’s fierce forehand. Look for the Croat to reach the semifinals in a close one.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Iga Swiatek (Poland) vs Danielle Collins (United States)
Jordan:
Collins is one of the few players who can cause Swiatek trouble on clay, especially if her second-serve return is firing. But let’s not overstate the chance the American has. Swiatek is still a huge favorite to progress and would do so playing at about 80% of her best level. That is how good she is on the dirt.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Ateet:
Iga Swiatek looks as good as ever and gets closer to the Gold Medal with each match. Danielle Collins will be her most difficult opponent this week, and the world No.1 will need to perform at her best to win. Collins is the lone American left now going for a medal in singles. They have never met on clay and that’s a big advantage for Swiatek.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Andreas:
While the World No. 1 leads the head-to-head 6-1, this is a dangerous matchup for the Pole. Collins hasn’t been at her best this tournament, but she knows how to play on the big stage and should have less nerves compared to the favorite to win a Gold Medal this week. Swiatek will have to stay consistent and break down Collins’ aggressive game. In the end, look for the Pole to win this in a close battle.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
