The last four quarterfinalists will be determined on Day 8 of the US Open. Will Ons Jabeur raise her level to what we know she is capable of? Will Jessica Pegula continue her elite run of form? Our writers share their thoughts on all four matches with you. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Andreas Pelekis. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 8 Women’s Predictions
Ons Jabeur vs Qinwen Zheng
Jordan:
abeur continues to look nowhere near her best, but has found a way to get to the fourth round. The pressure is not on Zheng, who has already had an excellent tournament regardless of how this one ends. I think Jabeur will find some some of her better tennis now after scrapping into the second week she will need to against Zheng.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Damian:
Zheng had a bit of a cakewalk draw to make it to the fourth round and still made a mess of it. This is where she gets the chance to shine now. Her potential is undeniable and we’re just waiting for her to put it all together. Beating Jabeur here would be a big step forward and with the Tunisian struggling so far, it seems like the opportunity is there for Zheng.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Andreas:
This is going to (hopefully) be a fantastic battle with a contrast of styles. Jabeur has never looked to be on her A-game this fortnight, but her fighting spirit helped her through three tough matches. She’s also seemed to be battling a minor illness at the moment. Meanwhile, Zheng has yet to play a top seed at this event, but her confidence has seemed higher than ever. Jabeur could easily win this one with her top form, but feeling that this match could be an upset.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Daria Kasatkina
Jordan:
Kasatkina’s fighting spirit to reach this point has been terrific to watch. She will try to the very last ball against Sabalenka regardless of the what the score is. But I do not expect this match to be close. Sabalenka’s firepower to come through comfortably.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Damian:
Brutal power difference, but Kasatkina has generally been able to hold her own in this rivalry with a 2-4 record against Sabalenka. The Belarusian came out on top just two weeks ago in Cincinnati and it was a fairly comfortable display. With the way she’s been hitting so far in New York, expect the World No. 2 to prevail yet again.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Andreas:
Sabalenka’s power game always makes this matchup feel like a one-sided demolition waiting to happen, but Kasatkina always plays solid against the Belarusian. Form wise, Kasatkina played some scratchy tennis against Kenin but did just enough to win. She looked far better in her third round match with a 6-3 6-4 win over Minnen. Sabalenka has looked even better, not dropping more than three games in a set. While this is definitely a step up for the second seed, she should get over the line in a tight two-setter.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Peyton Stearns vs Marketa Vondrousova
Jordan:
I felt before the tournament that the media were not giving Wimbledon champion Vondrousova’s chances enough respect. But even I have been surprised by now easily the ninth seed has won her matches so far. Stearns is having a great run, and the crowd will be loud in supporting her. But on her current form I cannot go against Vondrousova.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Damian:
It’s been a fantastic run for Stearns and this is where her performance so far in New York would become a major headline. That is if she beats Vondrousova. I don’t think she’s likely to. The Czech has pretty much avoided that first Slam title dip that most players experience and is just so good at controlling play with her lefty spins and that will make Stearns uncomfortable.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Andreas:
Vondrousova has already fared much better than most Grand Slam champions backing up a title run. Her 6-2 6-1 win over Alexandrova gave American fans a glimpse of her consistency and touch, yet all of those fans will be rooting against her in this matchup. Stearns is a new fiery home star at this tournament, and she’s yet to drop a set. Vondrousova tends to thrive in a more relaxed atmosphere, so it’ll be interesting to see how she deals with an energetic and perhaps hostile crowd.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Madison Keys
Jordan:
Pegula, as American #1, has earned her position as favorite among most for this one. But I am backing an upset. I think the slightly slower courts in New York this year will help Keys. She has more time to wind up her powerful groundstrokes, and the conditions also reduce the natural hand-eye coordination advantage that Pegula has. It is certainly not a guarantee, and this is likely to be very close. However, I am going for the upset.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Damian:
Is this the tournament where Pegula manages to break through her quarterfinal barrier at the Slams? This match might give us lots of intel. Keys is a former runner-up at the US Open and always a dangerous player on her day. Hard not to trust Pegula, though, with all the confidence, her improved serving, and how the flat forehand has been piercing through the courts in New York.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Andreas:
Two of the top American stars meetup in this match, but Keys definitely has the Grand Slam experience at this event. While Pegula is obvioulsy higher ranked and arguably better now, she’s never made it past the quarterfinals of the US Open. Of course, Keys made the finals here in 2017, and appeared in the semifinals the following year. I’d say Pegula is the slight favorite, especially as she plays well against power hitters. Yet, Keys has the ability to peak in Grand Slams, and this could be one of those atmospheres in which she brings her highest caliber of tennis to the table.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Main Photo Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
