The quarterfinals are set at the WTA Hong Kong Open and it’s a brilliant lineup. The top three are still alive including the defending champion, Leylah Fernandez. Yue Yuan is the last representative from China and will look to make the semifinals. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance to the semifinals?
WTA Hong Kong Quarterfinal Predictions
Katie Boulter vs Anastasia Zakharova
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Katie Boulter did not start well in her second-round match as she was down a break but clawed her way back and sealed the set in the tiebreak. The second set was also close but Boulter was the better player and won. Now, she has a great chance to reach yet another WTA semifinals this year. Anastasia Zakharova has played brilliantly this week and is in great form but Boulter is going to be a step up in level and I don’t know if she can handle it at this stage of her career.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Sofia Kenin vs Yue Yuan
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Sofia Kenin is making the most of her newfound consistency and has won six of her last seven matches. A title this week will boost her confidence significantly going into the next season. But, she has a tough match against Yue Yuan, who is the last home interest left and is a solid player. Kenin looked like she was playing with a slight injury so that is also a concern for her. However, if the American plays at her best, she should win.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Diana Shnaider vs Suzan Lamens
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Diana Shnaider played a better match than her first round to easily beat Priscilla Hon in straight sets. There is still room for improvement on her side and if she can do that, she will be the favourite to come out victorious against Suzan Lamens, who played a tough three-setter in the second round against Cristina Bucsa. Lamens was broken six times during the match, and such effort will be insufficient against the top seed.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Bernarda Pera
Head-to-Head: Fernandez 2-0 Pera
Leylah Fernandez has been the most dominant player so far this week and looks determined to defend her Hong Kong Open title. The Canadian is yet to lose more than two games in a set. Bernarda Pera has been in decent form too in the last month and her big serve is a weapon in these fast conditions. However, Fernandez has dominated her in their two meetings and I expect her to win again but it might end up being a closer match.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Main Photo by John Berry/Getty Images
