The second consecutive WTA event in Charleston, South Carolina, has reached the quarterfinal round. Who will move on to Saturday’s semifinals? Of the eight women remaining in the draw, we have a mix of expected successes and a few surprises. Let’s look at the matches.
WTA Charleston Quarterfinal Predictions
Shelby Rogers vs Danka Kovinic
Kovinic is in the midst of what might be the best two weeks of her career. The Montenegrin obviously loves the clay here in Charleston, as she reached the final in the WTA 500 here last week. This week is down to a 250 level event, but Kovinic is playing just as well. Honestly, I have no idea how I can expect her to lose. She’s just too good right now.
Prediction: Kovinic in 2
Clara Tauson vs Maria Camila Osorio Serrano
These two players are both rising stars, and this is a matchup we should get used to. Tauson had a real breakout last year and has continued to gradually improve as she has gone on. Osorio Serrano, meanwhile, began to break out two years ago, and she’s just now beginning to look like a consistent Tour-level player. She’ll soon crack the Top 100, and this tournament will help her get there.
Prediction: Osorio Serrano in 3
Linda Fruhvirtova vs Astra Sharma
I do not want to sound too dismissive here, because Fruhvirtova has played pretty well this week, but she’s just out of her depth against a Tour-level opponent. She reached the quarterfinals by facing an injured Alize Cornet and a matchup against NCAA player Emma Navarro in the second round. Sharma is a former NCAA champion, but she’s also been steadily improving and playing decently on Tour for a year or so now.
Prediction: Sharma in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Nao Hibino
These two met on the clay of Roland Garros last year, and Jabeur won in straight sets. Hibino is actually currently playing a bit better on clay than she even was last year, but Jabeur is just so solid right now. Jabeur lost to Kovinic in the Charleston semifinals last week. I think she easily sets up a rematch this week.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
