Four excellent WTA Tokyo quarterfinals are scheduled. Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen and 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu are among the women set to take to the court. We at LWOT give our predictions and analysis in this article, but which players do you think will reach the quarterfinals?
WTA Tokyo Quarterfinal Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Sayaka Ishii
Head-to-head: first meeting
Home favorite Ishii’s run to the final has been the most surprising of the tournament so far. She defeated Zeynep Sonmez and Sara Saito to progress to the quarterfinal. However, neither of those previous opponents is in Shnaider’s class. The 20-year-old is one of the most improved players on the WTA Tour this year, and her powerful hitting should be too good for Ishii.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Sofia Kenin vs Daria Kasatkina
Head-to-head: Kenin 2-2 Kasatkina
This might be the worst possible matchup for Kenin. The former Grand Slam champion won a very long and physical battle 6-7 6-4 7-6 against Clara Tauson in the second round, but there are now surely question about much she has left in the tank. The 2020 Australian Open winner will play Kasatkina the day after that match, who is one of the most adept players in the women’s game at extending the rallies. She is also in great form after winning the Ningbo Open title last week, and Kenin will need to play outstandingly and keep the rallies short to triumph.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Bianca Andreescu vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: first meeting
Neither woman has dropped a set so far at the WTA Tokyo open, although did Andreescu benefit from Beatriz Haddad Maia retiring in the opening set in the last round. At her best, Andreescu possesses a playing style that can disrupt Boulter’s power and Poise, but the Canadian has not consistently shown it since returning from an injury at the French Open. Sadly, that has very much been the story of Andreescu’s career. The moderately fast conditions in Tokyo also suit Boulter more, which might tip the match in the Briton’s favor.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Zheng Qinwen vs Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-head: Fernandez 2-1 Zheng
These two had a notable battle at the Wuhan Open two weeks ago. At one point, Zheng exchanged heated words with Fernandez’s father in the stands before recovering from a set down to triumph 5-7, 6-3, 6-0. The Canadian’s ability to take the ball early has disrupted Zheng in their previous matches, and this will probably be another competitive conest. However, Zheng’s superior serve in the Tokyo conditions and the confidence gained from getting her first win against Fernandez in Wuhan make her the favorite.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
