Two former top 10 stars will be amongst those in action on quarterfinal’s day at the WTA Athens Open in the Greek capital. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all four of the exciting matches at the Olympic Tennis Centre, but who will secure their spot in Saturday’s semifinal action and maintain momentum ahead of the North American hard-court swing?
WTA Athens Quarterfinal Predictions
Tereza Valentova vs Alina Korneeva
Head-to-head: first meeting
This could be the start of a very special rivalry between two talented teenagers. Alina Korneeva continues her steady, assured transition to competing at this level and has advanced to her second WTA quarterfinal courtesy Aoi Ito and second seed Ann Li, losing just seven games in the process. Tereza Valentova holds a slight edge in experience at this level, but that alone probably won’t decide the outcome in this match. The Czech generates the greater weight of shot off both wings and whilst it’s not a huge advantage in terms of power, she should be able to take enough time away from Korneeva to advance here.
Prediction: Valentova in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Alycia Parks
Head-to-head: Parks 2-0 Sakkari
Maria Sakkari has reached 10 WTA finals in her career and if she is to add to that tally, then there is no better place than on home soil. The former world #3 is the biggest star attraction in Athens and has not disappointed so far, having downed Polina Kudermetova and Harriet Dart in straight sets to make the quarterfinals.
By way of contrast, Alycia Parks survived a grueling three-set match against Mai Hontama in the last round, where she saved a match point. Parks’ serve can carry her against anyone, but it is prone to inconsistencies. Sakkari is one of the best returners when she is at the top of her game. And with the home crowd behind her and confidence growing, Sakkari should have enough to get past Parks reach the WTA Athens final four.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Clara Tauson vs Sara Bejlek
Head-to-head: Bejlek 1-0 Tauson
This will be a rematch of the Abu Dhabi semifinals, which Sara Bejlek won on her way to the title. Remarkably, however, this week at the WTA Athens Open is the first time Bejlek has won back-to-back matches since that title success in early February. Clara Tauson is also having a poor season by her own high standards and she’s gone 12-15 in 2026. Injury setbacks have affected her form. But Tauson’s season is still salvageable and the Dane has found her range in recent matches. Bejlek has incredible defensive skills, but the top seed is one of the players left in the draw who can consistently break through the Czech’s defenses.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Barbora Krejcikova vs Qinwen Zheng
Head-to-head: Zheng 2-0 Krejcikova
Zheng Qinwen has finally hit double-digit match wins for the season but it has been an undeniably disappointing year for the Chinese star. But will she be able to build some real momentum here? Possibly, it is an interesting rivalry with Zheng leading 2-0 in the series. But the last of her victories was before her elbow surgery.
Zheng has looked more comfortable in two rounds at WTA Athens and she is beginning to trust her forehand again, but this is quite a big step up in the quality of opposition. That said, Krejcikova is having a better season than Zheng. The Czech’s ability to vary the pace and mix in her slice will make it difficult for Zheng to dictate this match on her terms.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Main photo credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
