There are four interesting WTA Austin quarterfinals for fans to enjoy. Pre-tournament favorite Jessica Pegula will try to take another step closer to the title against Anna Blinkova. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches, but which four players do you think will reach the semifinals?
WTA Austin Predictions
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Ena Shibahara
Head-to-head: First meeting
This could be a lengthy battle. Although both women try to step into the court and be aggressive when they can, neither of them possesses overwhelming firepower. Despite Tomljanovic’s career achievements being the more impressive, Shibahara is backed to narrowly progress. Tomljanovic usually prefers having pace to redirect and has thrown in lackluster performances after building momentum during the last few years.
Prediction: Shibahara in 3
McCartney Kessler vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: First meeting
Cirstea’s win against the No. 2 seed Diana Shnaider was the most impressive of the tournament so far. Kessler will likely need a better performance than her deciding set tiebreak victory against Cristina Bucsa to overcome the Romanian. However, since breaking through and winning two WTA titles since August, Kessler has been adept at soaking up big hitting in important matches, and she could frustrate Cirstea in this contest.
Prediction: Kessler in 3
Caroline Dolehide vs Greet Minnen
Head-to-head: First meeting
Minnen’s 6-1 6-0 hammering of the No. 8 seed Suzan Lamens was unexpected. While Minnen’s impressive level should not be dismissed, she was also helped by Lamens struggling to find the court for long stretches. Dolehide’s formidable forehand has been thriving on the hard courts in Austin. The American might fancy her chances against an opponent whose lack of raw firepower will allow her to run around and hit many forehands.
Prediction: Dolehide in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: Pegula 3-1 Blinkova
Blinkova defeated Pegula at last year’s BNP Paribas Open and pushed her to three sets in the two contests before that. She seems to enjoy being the underdog and raises her game against the American. Although Blinkova’s results this year have not been bad, her level almost certainly needs to be better than the opening two months of the season to cause another upset. Pegula dominated her opening two matches, and Austin’s medium-speed hard court suits her game perfectly. She is backed to defeat Blinkova more comfortably than their last few meetings.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
