It promises to be a fun quarterfinal day at the WTA 250 in Linz. Former French Open runner-up Karolina Muchova and Maria Sakkari are two high-profile names set to be in action. We at LWOT predict all four matches in this article, but which women do you think will reach the semifinals?
WTA Linz Quarterfinal Predictions
Clara Tauson vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: Tauson 1-1 Blinkova
Blinkova likes to play aggressively, but she will have no choice but to scrap against Tauson’s powerful hitting. The Dane, who has always had immense talent but struggled to use it consistently, is in the best form of her career. That makes me more convinced that Blinkova will not come through what is a difficult matchup for her at any time.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Petra Martic
Head-to-head: Martic 2-0 Alexandrova
Martic’s game is well-suited to blunting Alexandrova’s aggression, as proven by their previous matches. The question is whether Martic can do it a third time despite being past her prime. Although her win against Elina Avanesyan in the last round was very impressive, she had to win a long and grueling match to reach the quarterfinal. Recovering from that without a day’s rest at the age of 34 will not be easy.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Dayana Yastremska
Head-to-head: Sakkari 1-0 Yastremska
Both players are clean hitters, but Yastremska relies more on her powerful shots than Sakkari. The Greek No. 1’s athleticism is superior, and she has more ways to win at her best. Question marks surround Sakkari since she only returned from a severe shoulder injury at the start of the season. However, I still think she will edge this contest.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Karolina Muchova vs Anastasia Potapova
Head-to-head: Muchova 3-1 Potapova
Muchova defeated Potapova at last year’s US Open without getting out of second gear. Her opponent’s lack of firepower and reliance on defensive skills will allow the Czech to dominate the rallies. Muchova is challenging to stop when she is given that authority and has been in great form since the closing months of last season. Expect the No. 1 seed in Linz to progress comfortably.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
