The round of 16 of the WTA Cincinnati Open is in the books, and LWOS is back with quarterfinal best bets. These quarters are packed with top talent and the possibility of an epic final. Here are my choices for three of the quarterfinal matches. Please share your thoughts in the comments.
WTA Cincinnati Open
Sabalenka – Rybakina: Time 20:30
H2H: 8-5
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina have a storied rivalry, but one that has seen Sabalenka assert her dominance in their recent matches. Sabalenka beat Rybakina earlier this year in the quarterfinals of Berlin, but two of the three matches went to a tiebreak. Sabalenka is the reigning champion and reached the semifinals in 23-’24. Rybakina is reaching her second semifinal in Cincinnati.
Best Bet to Make
Sabalenka is the best in the world for a reason. She tends to win when she plays. The Belarusian also has a dominant record on a hardcourt, having only lost four matches of the 30 hardcourt matches she has played in 2025. She’s only lost nine matches all year. Rybakina is a stout 24-9 on a hardcourt in 2025, and she did beat Madison Keys on her way here. I still think the books have it right when they choose Sabalenka
That being said, Sabalenka winning is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/ the best odds: Sabalenka winning @1.6 @Betway
Gracheva – Kudermetova: Time 22:30
H2H: 0-2
Veronika Kudermetova is still seeking her first tournament victory since 2023. Still, she has a chance to move on to the semifinals if she can beat her quarterfinal opponent, Varvara Gracheva, in Cincinnati. Kudermetova has only reached two other quarterfinals all year long, so this is a golden opportunity for her. Meanwhile, Gracheva hasn’t seen a tournament victory since 2019.
Best Bet to Make
The books have Kudermetova as a pretty convincing favorite, and I agree. Kudermetova is 32-19 overall this year, and she has a better hardcourt record on the year than Gracheva, too. Kudermetova could really use this victory to quiet the critics, as well as help her build her own confidence. She also has two previous victories over Gracheva, which should add to her value.
That being said, Kudermetova winning is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/ the best odds: Kudermetova winning @1.5 @BetVictor
Gauff – Paolini: Time 20:30
H2H: 2-2
Jessica Paolini has to feel pretty darn confident heading into her quarterfinals match with Coco Gauff. Not only does she have two victories over her in their rivalry, but she has them this year. Her first win against Gauff came in the Stuttgart quarterfinals in April. Then she bounced Gauff out of the finals in Rome in mid-May. Both were on a clay court. Gauff now gets Paolini on her preferred surface and will be eager to return the favor. Gauff is 17-6 on a hardcourt in 2025, Paolini is 15-7 on the same.
Best Bet to Make
The books have Gauff as a favorite, and I agree. As stated, Paolini was able to have her way with Gauff when they met on clay, but Gauff also has two wins in the series, and both of those were on a hardcourt. While they haven’t played a hardcourt match since 2023, Gauff made short work of Paolini in this very same tournament, and it just so happened to be in the quarterfinals. The line on this one is a little under our preferred value, but I wanted to get something up on this match.
That being said, Gauff winning is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/ the best odds: Gauff winning @1.45 @Betway
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
