WTA 250 tournaments are sometimes overshadowed by events with higher status occurring at the same time. However, the WTA Hobart International has been superb viewing so far. Amanda Anisimova and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin are among the players who have reached the quarterfinals. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match – but who will reach the last four?
WTA Hobart Quarterfinal Predictions
Dayana Yastremska vs McCartney Kessler
Head-to-head: Yastremska 1-0 Kessler
McCartney Kessler, whose run to the title in Cleveland was one of the most unexpected moments of 2024, has won her opening two matches more convincingly than Dayana Yastremska. However, the top seed in Hobart deserves credit for digging in and winning both her contests from a set down. That grit was something the Australian Open semifinalist lacked for much of last season. The confidence she gained from those victories might help her to play more freely and execute her powerful style better against Kessler.
Prediction: Yastremska in 2
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Sofia Kenin vs Maya Joint
Head-to-head: first meeting
Although Kenin’s career has been much more successful than Maya Joint’s, this promises to be a difficult match for the American. Joint has started her season with three straight-set victories and a narrow loss against the two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka. The 17-year-old could establish herself as one of the most exciting young players if she keeps playing well in 2025, and Kenin is susceptible to defeats against lower-ranked opponents.
Prediction: Joint in 3
Elise Mertens vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head-to-head: Mertens 5-2 Kudermetova
Although the overall head-to-head is dominant in Elise Mertens’ favour, Veronika Kudermetova has won two of the last three meetings, and the one match she lost was a tight battle at last year’s US Open. The court is medium-speed in Hobart, which should create an even matchup between Kudermetova’s attack and Mertens’ defense. It is a challenging contest to call, but the Belgian should have a slight edge.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
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Amanda Anisimova vs Elina Avanesyan
Head-to-head: first meeting
This matchup is an even more prominent example of attack vs defense. Anisimova is one of the most aggressive WTA players, while Elina Avanesyan’s game is built on extending the rallies. Last year’s National Bank Open runner-up usually thrives against players like Avanesyan, who give Anisimova much time to wind up her powerful groundstrokes. Although the Armenian has significantly improved on hard courts, Anisimova is the favourite to progress.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
