It’s been a week filled with thrilling tennis at the WTA Tokyo Open. The quarterfinal line-up promises to be just as exciting, with star players across the board. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering up our predictions on the day’s play. But who will makes it to the semifinals?
WTA Tokyo Quarterfinals Predictions
Petra Martic vs Zhang Shuai
Head-to-head: Martic 2-0 Zhang
This should be a great match. Petra Martic impressively overcame sixth seed Karolina Pliskova in straight sets and has looked very dominant so far this week. Zhang Shuai came through a titanic encounter with Garcia, finishing the job in the final set tiebreak. Both players are finding some great form later on in their careers.
The only main draw meeting between these two was back in 2019 in Miami, which Martic won very comfortably. Zhang has been very consistent and solid in recent times, but this may be a difficult match-up for her. Martic can hit very strongly and overwhelm her opponents, and I’ll give her the edge here – though it should be a great contest.
Prediction: Martic in 3
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Veronika Kudermetova vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Head-to-head: first meeting
This has all the making of a brilliant encounter. Both players are equipped with massive weapons that can wipe their opponents off the court. Veronika Kudermetova was absolutely ruthless against Gomez, dropping just one game. Beatriz Haddad Maia, who is having a great year, was set for an almighty clash with Osaka, only for the Japanese star to withdraw from illness.
Kudermetova looked great in New York, barely being challenged until eventual finalist Ons Jabeur got past her in two tight sets in the fourth round. Haddad Maia is playing great tennis but there are still question marks about her ability to have consistent deep runs. I think Kudermetova will be too strong here, as her form suggests that only a top elite player can take her down right now.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
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Liudmila Samsonova vs Garbine Muguruza
I’m intrigued to see how this plays out. Garbine Muguruza has had a dismal year to say the least, though she did play passably well in New York where she reached the third round. Still, the Spaniard is way off her best right now, and a big run is needed at some point soon if she is to end this season with any real credit. Unfortunately for her, she’s up against one of the in-form players on tour over the last few months.
Ludmilla Samsonova is in electric form right now, absolutely crushing the ball with impressive consistency. If she’s on her game, I don’t think there’s a whole lot Muguruza can do to challenge her in this current state. If Muguruza finds some form and confidence then we could see an exciting match, but the Russian is still my pick.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
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Zheng Qinwen vs Claire Liu
Zheng Qinwen has to be one of the most exciting prospects in the sport of tennis these days. Her immense ball-striking, consistency and confident aura is bringing her a lot of hype and attention, and it’s easy to see why. After sweeping aside Misaki Doi, she rampaged past top seed Paula Badosa very impressively.
Claire Liu is having an excellent week too, and at 22 years of age, her future is undoubtedly bright. She had absolutely no troubles with Riske or Mertens, which suggests she’s up for this one too. I can see it being a tight match as Liu has plenty in her game to trouble her opponents, but Zheng is future superstar and this should be hers to take.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
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