It’s a strong quarterfinals lineup at the WTA Cleveland with four of the top eight seeds advancing. Two Americans are still on the hunt to become the first local champion here. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for day 4. But who will advance to the semifinals?
WTA Cleveland Quarterfinal Predictions
Arantxa Rus vs McCartney Kessler
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Arantxa Rus defeated Viktoriya Tomova in straight sets to reach her second quarterfinals on hard courts this year. She has not dropped a set this week and has served quite well. Rus has had a great year by her standards, and she will fancy her chances of making it to the semifinals. McCartney Kessler is in her first tour-level quarterfinals after a brilliant win over Xinyu Wang. She was impressive in the third set and looked to be in the zone. She has a nice forehand and a strong mental focus on the court. Neither player is the clear favourite in this matchup, but I will go with Rus.
Prediction: Rus in 3
Anastasia Potapova vs Ana Bogdan
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Anastasia Potapova dropped just four games to defeat Clara Tauson in the second round. These are much-needed ranking points for her after a topsy-turvy season. This week will help her going into the US Open. Ana Bogdan backed her big win over Leylah Fernandez by defeating Greet Minnen in two tight sets. Bogdan saved 10 of the 11 breakpoints, and her composure in the key moments made the difference. She showed her experience and poise under pressure. She will return to the top 100 next week. Bogdan has been impressive this week, but Potapova has a higher level, and it’s a matter of whether she can bring that level or not.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Clara Burel
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Beatriz Haddad Maia hasn’t had the best year, but she’ll be thrilled to be in another quarterfinal. Her performance in the second round was far better than the first. She is the favourite heading into this match to make her first WTA Cleveland semifinals. Clara Burel has had several impressive performances on hard courts this year against top players. She has not lost a set this week and her first serve has been a weapon. If she can keep her double faults in check, she can trouble the #1 seed. However, winning two sets might be a hurdle she won’t be able to cross.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Katerina Siniakova vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-Head: Siniakova 0-1 Stearns
Katerina Siniakova found herself in another deciding set tiebreaker but dealt with it as impressively as she did in the first round. However, it was another struggle for her against a lower-ranked opponent. Bouzas Maneiro served for the match in the third set, but Siniakova dug in to get the break. She looked tired by the end and won’t be able to get away with such erratic play in the quarterfinals. Peyton Stearns defeated the defending champion in straight sets to reach her second quarterfinal this month. Her forehand is working great, and she looked much better than Siniakova this week.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
