The first two quarterfinals at Wimbledon are set with an intriguing day of tennis ahead. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for both quarterfinals, as well as the quarterfinal action in the men’s draw. But who will secure their spot in Thursday’s semifinal?
Wimbledon Quarterfinal Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Laura Siegemund
Jim: It has been a fantastic tournament for Laura Siegemund, but it is hard to see her run continuing into the semifinals. The German is adept at making life difficult for her opponents, but Aryna Sabalenka will probably not give her the chance to do so. The world #1 has probably underperformed on the very biggest stages, but you feel she is very close to being almost unplayable and is also increasingly consistent. Her brand of first-strike tennis should overwhelm Siegemund.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Ilemona: Sabalenka has been steamrolling through draws all season, not dropping a set here and crushing tiebreaks like it’s routine, 16 wins out of 17 this year. Siegemund’s run has been a fun surprise though; at 37, she’s playing free and finally found her grass legs. Their last match was six years ago, so while history favors Sabalenka, Siegemund’s nothing-to-lose vibe could make things scrappy early but the world number one should continue her hot streak.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan: 37-year-old Siegemund reaching her first Wimbledon singles quarterfinal without dropping a set is the most surprising development of the tournament so far. Sabalenka cannot afford to underestimate the German, who will continually change the pace and focus on frustrating her. The world #1 might have let her emotions boil over a few years ago in this matchup, but Sabalenka’s mentality is different now. I think she will handle this challenge.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Amanda Anisimova vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Jim: This may well be the more competitive of the two quarterfinals on day nine at Wimbledon. Indeed, there is a fair amount of similarity between Amanda Anisimova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, though they are at very different stages of their careers. Anisimova’s youth may well give her an advantage, with the 34-year-old Pavlyuchenkova have endured a relatively taxing route into the last eight. It might go the distance, but expect Anisimova to advance
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Ilemona: Anisimova has dominated their past meetings, winning all three clashes, including two meetings from last year. That history might linger, though Pavlyuchenkova’s looked sharp lately, grinding past home hope Kartal here with clutch tennis. Anisimova’s riding a hot streak on grass (10 wins in her last 12), so confidence won’t be an issue if rallies get tense. This’ll likely come down to who handles the pressure better in those tight baseline exchanges.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Jordan: This is a challenging match to call between two players with similar big hitting styles. Pavlyuchenkova impressed against Sonay Kartal, but Anisimova has a slightly higher ceiling at her best. The 23-year-old’s superior backhand might prove the difference in this contest. I am backing the American, but this could go either way.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
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Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
