The WTA Mubadala Citi DC Open quarterfinals are set and promise to deliver thrilling tennis action with this intense lineup. There will be a new champion as top seed and former champion Jessica Pegula is out. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance to the semifinals?
WTA Washington Quarterfinal Predictions
Leylah Fernandez vs Taylor Townsend
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Leylah Fernandez took out top seed Jessica Pegula in a fantastic three-set battle to reach the quarterfinals. She kept fighting and was the braver player in the end as she went for her shots and didn’t back down. This was one of her best wins in a long time, and she will look to build on it. Taylor Townsend has gotten better with every match this week and completely demolished Sofia Kenin in the second round. She was brilliant behind her serve, hitting 15 aces and winning 83% of first serve points. If she can bring this level, she will be hard to stop for anyone.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Anna Kalinskaya vs Clara Tauson
Head-to-Head: Kalinskaya 1-1 Tauson
This clash of aggressive baseliners promises to be a fierce battle with both players coming off strong performances leading up to this match. Anna Kalinskaya loves this tournament and is in her third quarterfinal. She won the last nine games and easily defeated Magda Linette in the second round. She will face Clara Tauson, who was the last player she lost to and will be looking for revenge. Tauson is a solid player, but Kalinskaya looks the best she has looked in a long time, and my prediction is with her.
Prediction: Kalisnkaya in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Magdalena Frech
Head-to-Head: Rybakina 1-0 Frech
Elena Rybakina is off to a winning start in her Washington debut. It was not her best performance, but she got the job done without losing a set. However, she must improve her level against a much tougher opponent in the form of Magdalena Frech, who dominated Venus Williams in the second round. Frech used a lot of slices, and it was effective against her opponent. She is in her first quarterfinal of the season and can stay with Rybakina if she serves well. It was a close match the last time these two played, and I expect the same this time.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Emma Raducanu vs Maria Sakkari
Head-to-Head: Raducanu 3-0 Sakkari
There has been a shift in Raducanu’s season since the start of the grass season, and she is carrying the momentum brilliantly. She is once again in the Washington Open quarterfinals as she defeated Naomi Osaka in straight sets. She served well in crucial moments and backed herself more than her opponent. Raducanu will be eager to advance to the semifinals for the first time. Maria Sakkari got a great win over Emma Navarro in the second round. Sakkari looked in great physical shape and won most of the longer points. She has never won a set against Raducanu, but I expect her to make this closer than their previous meetings.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
