Only eight women remain at the WTA Iasi Open, with former Top 20 player Yulia Putintseva in the mix. The Kazakh faces a tough test against in-form Mayar Sherif. Who will reach the last four?
WTA Iasi Quarterfinal Predictions
Oleksandra Oliynykova vs Clara Burel
Head-to-head: first meeting
Oliynykova opened her account in Iasi with a gusty 7-6 7-6 win over Ipek Oz. The Ukrainian had a more straightforward task in the second round, where she beat Elena Pridankina 6-1 6-2. Burel’s three-set win over Petra Marcinko in Contrexeville a week ago was her best win of the season by ranking. However, her 6-1 6-1 demolition of compatriot Elsa Jacquemot in Iasi is probably her best performance since returning from injury. Burel is quietly rediscovering the level that made her a top 50 player. I think if she maintains that aggressive depth from the baseline, she might dictate play and overpower Oliynykova.
Prediction: Burel in 3
Petra Marcinko vs Tamara Zidansek
Head-to-head: Marcinko 1-0 Zidansek
Zidansek has already done some serious damage in the draw, knocking off Emiliana Arango and Anna Bondar. Her victory over the Hungarian took over three hours. But after surviving those two physical tests, the concern is how much she has left in the tank. Marcinko has looked composed and in good form this week, taking out Nadia Podoroska and Elina Avanesyan. With fresher legs and a more proactive game, the Croatian should be the heavy favorite to progress to her fourth semifinal of the season.
Prediction: Marcinko in 2
Paula Badosa vs Panna Udvardy
Head-to-head: first meeting
Badosa was on the brink of a humiliating defeat to World No. 275 Alevtina Ibragimova in the last round. The Spaniard was a double break down in the deciding set, but reeled off five games in a row to prevail. She extends her win streak to seven matches (won the 125K in Bastad). Udvardy left it so late to confirm her quarterfinal spot. She came from a set and a break down to defeat Katarzyna Kawa. Badosa now knows that one more win will be enough to secure her Top 100 return. But that is easier said than done as she takes on Udvardy. That said, I think Badosa has maintained her physical level well, and she has the all-around game to end the Hungarian’s run.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Yulia Putintseva vs Mayar Sherif
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is Putintseva’s first Tour-level quarterfinal of the season and the Kazakh has not dropped a set this week. She’s beaten Claire Liu and Alina Charaeva in Iasi and has now won five of her last six matches. Sherif has also looked sharp in advancing to the quarterfinals, although she needed a second-set tiebreak to seal victory against Kaitlin Quevedo. The Egyptian is seeking her third title of the season after winning two 125K titles in recent weeks. This has the makings for a physical battle. Sherif thrives in longer rallies, but I’m backing Putintseva’s tactical acumen to shine. The Kazakh’s counterpunching and variety should help her to reach the last four.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
