There are four exciting WTA Washington quarterfinals for fans to enjoy in the US Capital. Two-time Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka and the 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu are among the players in action. All four matches are predicted in this article. But which players do you think will progress to the semifinals?
WTA Washington Quarterfinal Predictions
Amanda Anisimova vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-head; Anisimova 1-0 Dolehide
This is a big opportunity for both women. After a run to the fourth round of the Australian Open, Anisimova’s comeback to the sport had been floundering. Similarly, Dolehide had struggled to push on since her run to Guadalajara last year. Anisimova possesses more raw power, but Dolehide is backed to make the semifinal. She was outstanding in the final set against Daria Kasatkina, and the 25-year-old thrives most in fast conditions like Washington. Dolehide to manage Pavlyuchenkova’s firepower to win in three sets.
Prediction: Dolehide in 3
Robin Montgomery vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Bouzkova won two tight sets against Taylor Townsend in the last round, while Montgomery benefited from Ons Jabeur withdrawing with a right shoulder injury. The fast conditions suit both players. Townsend’s powerful serve and groundstrokes shoot through the court, and Bouzkova is at her best when she can redirect her opponent’s pace. The Czech is the higher-ranked player, but Montgomery is favoured to cause an upset. Although Bouzkova usually plays well against powerful opponents, Montgomery is improving quickly. She will be tough to stop if she strikes the ball as well as her first round match against Shelby Rogers.
Prediction: Montgomery in 3
Emma Raducanu vs Paula Badosa
Head-to-head: First meeting
Raducanu was not at her vintage best in the opening two rounds, but encouragingly, she dug in to reach this stage. Badosa’s last opponent, Liudmila Samsonova, retired after the first set in her second-round match. Raducanu will need to serve well against Badosa, who will climb on weak second serves in particular. However, Raducanu’s flat shots can rush the Spaniard and expose her movement if she plays aggressively. That may give the Briton a narrow edge.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Victoria Azarenka
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 4-1 Azarenka
Sabalenka will undoubtedly need to play better than the previous round against Kamilla Rakhimova. The world No. 3 was very rusty and only narrowly won a tight battle in her first hard-court contest since March. It is hard to imagine her playing like that again with a match under her belt. She has also comfortably beaten her fellow two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka in their last three meetings. Azarenka’s movement is not what it once was, which makes it difficult for her to compete with Sabalenka.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
