Eight players remain in contention for the 2023 Hana Bank Korea Open title. Can top-seeded Jessica Pegula keep blowing away the competition like she has been so far? Who do you think will make the semifinals at WTA Seoul?
WTA Seoul Quarterfinal Predictions
Kimberly Birrell vs Emina Bektas
Head-to-head: Birrell 2-0
Emina Bektas is in the middle of the best season of her career. She slowed down a bit though since a brilliant first half of the season, likely due to the standard of the opposition she’s facing going up rapidly. Kimberly Birrell is a player she can take down though and it’s a brilliant opportunity for both women. The Australian won their last match at the US Open last year and she has to be regarded as the favorite, but this doesn’t have to be as easy again.
Prediction: Birrell in 3
Yue Yuan vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Yue Yuan is an underrated player and she’s been showing that from time to time this Asian swing. The Chinese might have some issues with finding the right plan for a match and her shot selection, but her forehand shotmaking can be overwhelming on a good day. She’ll need that against Marie Bouzkova. It doesn’t sound like an unwinnable matchup though. The Czech’s playstyle isn’t that imposing and this would be a nice opportunity for Yuan to show her skills.
Prediction: Yuan in 3
Yanina Wickmayer vs Polina Kudermetova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Yanina Wickmayer is past her prime, but this comeback season of hers has been a beautiful watch. She’s proving that she’s still extremely talented and the aggressive ball-striking can be hard to match when she’s on. Polina Kudermetova will look to challenge her in terms of firepower. The Russian doesn’t really have the serve or the class and experience of Wickmayer. If she can maintain her level, the veteran should be able to progress to the WTA Seoul semis.
Prediction: Wickmayer in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Claire Liu
Head-to-head: First meeting
Claire Liu hasn’t had a good year, but she’s too good to be treated as a complete outsider against anyone. The problem is that she’s facing Jessica Pegula though. While the American theoretically doesn’t have much to gain here given that she’s already in the WTA Finals field, we’re talking about a player who loves competing and appears in as many singles and doubles matches as she can. It’s unlikely that she’ll experience a motivation dip.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Ray Acevedo – USA TODAY Sports
