Half of the women’s quarterfinals at the US Open will be decided today as Maria Sharapova, Sloane Stephens, Garbine Muguruza, and the timeless Venus Williams are all favorites to advance. Our panel of Brett Margolies, Vithun Illankovan, and Yesh Ginsburg predict whether the apple cart will be upset in the big apple.
Julia Goerges vs. Sloane Stephens
Brett: The resurgence of Sloane Stephens this summer really is amazing and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. She’s playing tennis at a higher level then even before her injury and has a favorable matchup against Goerges. She’s in the fourth round of the US Open for the 2nd time in her career, and I think she’ll reach the quarterfinals at her home slam for the first time. Stephens in 2
Vithun: Both these players have been in great form recently so it is no surprise to see them both reach this stage. However, Stephens is just slightly stronger mentally and playing a bit better, as seen in their most recent meeting in Cincinatti 2 weeks ago. Stephens in 3
Yesh: Sloane Stephens’ run here has been nothing short of incredible. The comeback won’t stop in Round 4. Stephens in 2
Venus Williams vs. Carla Suarez Navarro
Brett: This is a perfect matchup for Venus considering the way she’s playing at the moment. Suarez Navarro doesn’t possess any weapons that should effect her on a hard court. Look for Venus to win in dominant fashion and move on to the quarterfinals. Williams in 2
Viithun: Suarez Navarro is a good player but I don’t see her posing much of a threat here. Venus has become incredibly reliable at beating who she is meant to beat in slams, which is literally the entire field in a weakness of the WTA in 2017. Williams in 2
Yesh: Venus Williams might be the most incredible story in tennis this year. She can’t get World #1 at this tournament anymore (Muguruza made sure of that), but she can make the quarterfinals at the very least. Williams in 3
Maria Sharapova vs Anastasija Sevastova
Brett: Maria Sharapova will once again be taking center stage on Arthur Ashe Stadium. She’s controversially played all her matches there and seems to be pretty comfortable doing so. She’s cooled off a little since her first match against Halep, but is doing enough to advance. Like the Babos match, it’ll be her first time playing Sevastova who has looked good so far. I think Sharapova will advance, but it won’t be easy. Sharapova in 3
Vithun: Since Sharapova’s return from shoulder surgery in 2009, the 4th round has been the outcome of the majority of her Grand Slams – she has exited at this stage at least twice as much as in any other round during this period. This is because she usually has the pressure of being the big favourite in the match and ends up losing to someone who goes on to make the semi-finals or better (as seen in 75% of these occasions). However in this match the circumstances are different. Here, she is not a big favourite as this is her first Grand Slam since her suspension. In addition, I don’t see Sevastova as a contender for the semi-finals. Sharapova in 2
Yesh: The same is true for Sharapova. She’s playing her way into form and just getting stronger as this tournament goes on. She got a good draw and should be able to beat Sevastova without too much trouble. Sharapova in 3
Petra Kvitova vs Garbine Muguruza
Brett: I think this one has the potential to be as good as the Halep-Sharapova match on the opening night. Two big hitters who can certainly put on a show if they’re on at the same time. Kvitova has a 2-1 advantage in the H2H but Muguruza has proved to be a different player on the big stage at grand slam’s and don’t think it stops on Sunday. Muguruza in 3
Vithun: On recent form this should definitely feel like Muguruza’s match. However, for some reason I am a bit wary of an upset. Muguruza has never reached the quarter-finals of the US Open before and she is also very close to getting the No.1 ranking. This will be mentally one of the biggest wins of her career but I think she should be able to do it. Muguruza in 3
Yesh: This should be an absolute firecracker of a match. Both players hit the ball hard and do it so well. It’s going three, and the one who doesn’t make mistakes at the end will win. Muguruza in 3
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