The second pair of women’s US Open quarter-final matches sees current World #1, Karolina Pliskova, take on Coco Vandeweghe and surprise qualifier Kaia Kanepi face Madison Keys. Our panellists Jakub Bobro, Brandon Wall, Yesh Ginsburg, Donald King and Sam Barker predict which way these matches will go.
Karolina Pliskova vs Coco Vandeweghe
Jakub: If I was to predict this match before they played their 4th rounds, I actually might have favored CoCo for the win, but Pliskova’s demolishment of Jennifer Brady was very impressive. Vandeweghe beat Safarova in straight sets, but I do think that Pliskova is overall the better player. Pliskova in 3
Brandon: Pliskova is one of three women still in the race for the world #1 ranking after the completion of the US Open. The Czech will have to reach the final to guarantee that she stays atop the rankings. Vandeweghe will come out firing and with the crowd’s support, she stands a chance to dethrone last year’s finalist. Vandeweghe in 3
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Yesh: Pliskova has struggled at times, but when she is on so few players can beat her. Vandeweghe can match her for power, but Pliskova is much more consistent at the end of the day. Pliskova in 3
Donald: Top seed Pliskova played like it in the Round of 16, destroying American Jennifer Brady. Look for her to beat upstart American Coco Vandeweghe almost as badly. Pliskova in 2
Sam: There has not been a more hot and cold player than Karolina Pliskova at this year’s US Open. Against Jennifer Brady she looked imperious but laboured in her two previous rounds. Vandeweghe has the type of game that could test Pliskova and she thrives in the gritty Flushing Meadows atmosphere. Vandeweghe in 3
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Kaia Kanepi vs Madison Keys
Jakub: It has been an epic run for Kaia Kanepi, continuing it by beating Kasatkina in straight sets. Keys pulled off a great upset in a much more marquee 4th round against Elina Svitolina, winning 6-4 in the deciding set. At this point in their careers, I think that Keys is overall better and has more weapons. I think it will be an easier match to the tune of 6-2 6-4. Keys in 2
Brandon: Kanepi defeated rising youngster Daria Kasatkina in the fourth round to set up a quarter-final clash with hometown favourite, Madison Keys. Keys showed incredible form against the fourth seeded Ukrainian, Svitolina, in her last round and will be a tough opponent if she can reproduce this performance. Kanepi has never been past a quarter-final at a Major and the crowd will be behind Keys from the start of the match. For these reasons, Kanepi’s run will come to an end. Keys in 2
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Yesh: Kanepi has had the most under-the-radar dream run at a Slam that I can remember. Unfortunately for her, Keys is pretty locked in and is much more powerful.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Donald: Two of the more interesting stories in the 2017 field meet for a spot in the Semis. Keys has had a hard road back from injury; Kanepi temporarily retired due to injury-related issues. Keys is streaky, but the better athlete. Keys in 3
Sam: Kanepi’s story has been a wonderful sub-plot throughout this US Open but her run will end here. The Estonian has not faced a seed and they do not come much tougher than Madison Keys on a hot streak. Keys did well to defeat Svitolina in the fourth round and should win comfortably. Keys in 2
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