After what has been an exciting couple of days on the Eastbourne grass, only eight players remain as preparations for Wimbledon intensify. We have an all-American clash leading the way on quarterfinal day, but that is far from all. As always, we here at LWOT will be predicting every match for you, but who do you think will win?
WTA Eastbourne Quarterfinal Predictions
Tatjana Maria vs Tereza Valentova
Head-to-head: First meeting
This match pairs the talent of Tereza Valentova against the experience of Tatjana Maria, who at this stage is one of the few remaining grass-court specialists on either tour. Valentova has shown enough to suggest that her baseline level and ball quality are superior in this matchup. But Maria has time and time again shown that her heavy slice game on grass cannot be discounted. While Valentova winning may be the more popular pick, I can absolutely see the veteran frustrating the youngster and grinding out yet another win on the grass.
Prediction: Maria in 3
Caty McNally vs Petra Marcinko
Head-to-head: McNally 2-0 Marcinko
This clash between two aggressive baseliners will likely come down to which player is confident enough to take the initiative in rallies. Petra Marcinko will look to dominate with her heavy backhand, while Caty McNally will have a more traditional grass-court approach by coming to the net and using her variety and slice. Historically, the American has enjoyed all the success in this matchup, and I expect her to battle out another three-set win here against an opponent who is still developing.
Prediction: McNally in 3
Jelena Ostapenko vs Zeynep Sonmez
Head-to-head: Ostapenko 1-0 Sonmez
Zeynep Sonmez has done well to make the final eight in Eastbourne after coming through qualifying. Now up against Jelena Ostapenko, an ultra-aggressive player, Sonmez will need to maintain her discipline from the baseline and attack whenever the opportunity presents itself. While she has shown the ability to do that in stretches, Ostapenko has more experience on this surface. If she manages her unforced errors well enough, a semifinal run at minimum should be possible in Eastbourne.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
McCartney Kessler vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: Keys 1-0 Kessler
This all-American clash will likely come down to how well McCartney Kessler can withstand the aggressive baselining of Madison Keys, who, on faster grass courts, finds conditions perfectly suited to her all-out attacking style. Serve performance will be key for both players and will likely have a major impact on the result. But outside of that, Keys’ advantage from the baseline, both in terms of ball quality and her style of play on this surface, is simply too much to ignore.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
