On Tuesday at Wimbledon we get to see two women’s quarterfinal matches, including an absolute blockbuster between Iga Swiatek and Elina Svitolina. Can the Ukrainian’s run of form continue, and can it be enough to take down the World #1? Our writers share their thoughts on both of Tuesday’s matches. Predicting these matches are Andreas Pelekis, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds. What do you think?
Wimbledon Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Marketva Vondrousova
Andreas:
While Pegula has definitely brought some of her best tennis this tournament, she hasn’t had to go through a difficult draw all this fortnight. Her draw won’t get considerably more challenging either, as Pegula should be able to match up well against Vondrousova’s lefty game. Vondrousova tends to hit a flat forehand down the line as her main attacking weapon, but Pegula’s great cross court forehand will frequently cancel that out. Add in the American’s consistent serving, and she shouldn’t have too much difficulty in this match. Vondrousova will have to run Pegula around the court and utilize her virtuosic backhand dropshots, although Pegula could take advantage of those with her avid net play.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Damian:
No one expected Vondrousova to have such a brilliant grass season with her heavy lefty topspin style. She’s doing well to keep playing points on her terms though and especially with the help of her slider serve out wide. Pegula is an okay draw as the American, while still solid on this surface, isn’t all that comfortable on it and could be vulnerable. I’ll actually give the slight edge to Vondrousova, who’s exceeded all my expectations in regard to her grass-court game.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Jordan:
Vondrousova struck 37 winners in her comeback win against Bouzkova. She is playing with freedom and playing each match as if she has nothing to lose. Pegula has defied her previous struggles on grass and has looked very convincing in her last two rounds. I can see Vondrousova’s dangerous game cashing the American #1 some problems. But she will come up just short in a match that could be very close.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
[cta id=591 type=cta]
Iga Swiatek vs Elina Svitolina
Andreas:
Svitolina can now proudly add herself to the list of top tennis comebacks after giving birth, as the Ukrainian hero displayed some of her best ever tennis against Azarenka. Not only are her groundstrokes precise and strong as ever, her admirable intensity radiates on the court and was on full display Sunday. Yet, Swiatek’s comeback victory over Bencic seemed like a turning point for the Pole; saving two match points will surely give her a massive confidence boost. She also reached a big hurdle by making the Wimbledon quarterfinals, avoiding the stigma she’s faced as an inexperienced grass court player. Ultimately, Svitolina could continue her fairytale run if she plays her best, but Swiatek’s speed and use of angles will force Svitolina into uncomfortable positions. I think this could go the distance, but look for Swiatek to make her first Wimbledon semifinal.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Damian:
Swiatek saved two match points against Bencic in a true performance of a champion. She wasn’t doing all that well and was put under a lot of pressure by her opponent’s flat ball-striking and the ability to redirect/absorb pace, but played the big points right. Svitolina seems slightly more complete after her comeback with the ability to take matters into her own hands more. But her defensive style is so much more conventional than Bencic’s and doesn’t feel like something that will make Swiatek as uncomfortable.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan:
Both women played two of the best matches of the tournament in the previous round; Swiatek saved two match points, while Svitolina recovered from 7-4 down in the final set match tiebreak. Svitolina is hitting the ball as well as she has in years, and is having a dream run. Swiatek despite her progress showed at times against Bencic that she still isn’t as comfortable on grass as other surfaces. This could be very close. I feel Svitolina may just slightly run out of steam to give Swiatek a narrow win.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
