There were several WTA Hua Hin upsets on Thursday, with all the remaining seeded players getting knocked out. That presents a terrific opportunity for the remaining eight players in the draw. Former French Open quarterfinalist Laura Siegemund is one of the women hoping to capitalize on the opportunity in Thailand. We at LWOT give our predictions and analysis in this article, but which players do you think will reach the semifinals?
WTA Hua Hin Quarterfinal Predictions
Rebecca Sramkova vs Jana Fett
Head-to-head: First meeting
Many expected Sramkova to withdraw before the tournament after her run to the final of the Jasmin Open last week. However, she continued that form by beating last year’s Australian Open semifinalist, Magda Linette, to reach this stage. Fett will be fresh heading into this match after receiving a walkover from Varvara Gracheva, but overcoming Sramkova will be tough. The Slovakian is playing great tennis right now, and her best level is superior to Fett’s.
Prediction: Sramkova in 2
Nadia Podoroska vs Tamara Zidansek
Head-to-head: Zidansek 2-1 Podoroska
Both players managed impressive victories in the last round against seeded players. Zidansek came from a set down to overcome Katie Volynets, while Podoroska beat Katerina Siniakova in straight sets after the Czech hit countless unforced errors. The victory against Volynets is good preparation for Zidansek since Podoroska plays a similar brand of gritty tennis. It should be a tight battle, but Zidansek is backed to continue her good run in Hua Hin.
Prediction: Zidansek in 3
Mai Hontama vs Arianne Hartono
Head-to-head: Hontama 1-1 Hartono
Hartono finished her last match after midnight on Thursday due to rain delays. Hontama will try to take advantage of that with her style, which is suited to extending rallies. Neither woman has ever been inside the Top 100, making this a crucial match for both. Hontama’s greater rest after the previous round might make the difference, but in truth, this is a 50/50 matchup.
Prediction: Hontama in 3
Laura Siegemund vs Rebeka Masarova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Siegemund’s Round of 16 battle against Wang Xiyu lasted an extraordinary four hours and nine minutes and was the fourth-longest of the Open Era on the WTA Tour. Thankfully, she played that match on Wednesday and had a day to recover. In fact, she will be fresher than Masarova, who needed three hours and seven minutes on Thursday to defeat Wang Xinyu. Siegemund showed how her craftiness can extend the rallies in her last match, and those skills will help her against Masarova.
Prediction: Siegemund in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
