17-year-old Mirra Andreeva is the talk of the town at the WTA Iasi Open in Romania. The top seed is three wins away from lifting her maiden WTA title. After two dominant victories, Andreeva will play a lucky loser for a spot in the semifinal. So, who will advance?
WTA Iasi Quarterfinal Predictions
Olga Danilovic vs Anna Bondar
Head-to-head: Bondar 1-0 Danilovic
Olga Danilovic won her first career title at 17 in 2018, and she was immediately acclaimed as a future star. However, her progress has been halted by injuries, and we haven’t seen her play to her true potential. On a bright note, she’s only 23 and can take inspiration from players who have excelled in their late 20s. This will be a rematch from Budapest. Anna Bondar won a tight affair in her home country this past week. Expect Danilovic to have things under control in their sequel in Iasi.
Prediction: Danilovic in 3
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Chloe Paquet vs Selena Janicijevic
Head-to-head: first meeting
Selena Janicijevic is having the best week of her young career. She’s into her first WTA quarterfinal (from qualifying) and only lost one set in four matches. The 22-year-old has been in terrific form on clay this season, winning 25 matches across all levels. However, there have been a few heartbreaking defeats, including this past week in Contrexeville 125K, where she lost to Mayar Sherif 7-6 in the third. Her countrywoman Chloe Paquet will be playing for more than just a semifinal spot. At 30, Paquet will break the Top 100 for the first time if she wins this match. That extra incentive might seal her place in the last four.
Prediction: Paquet in 3
Elina Avanesyan vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: Cristian 1-0 Avanesyan
Avanesyan and Cristian met at this year’s clay-court swing in Rome. The Romanian fought back from a set down to win quite comfortably in the end. She has a fine track record of winning matches from losing positions. Avanesyan is hit-or-miss on hard and grass courts, but clay is her best surface. She is one of those players who can hurt you with so much time to think of her next shot. But Cristian won’t give her that because of her aggressive game, and I’ll lean towards the home player.
Prediction: Cristian in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Lea Boskovic
Head-to-head: first meeting
After a dull grass-court swing, Andreeva is finally giving us a comprehensive demonstration of her true ability this week. She’s motored into her sixth quarterfinal of the season, dropping seven games in two matches. Her next opponent, Lea Boskovic, has gotten the rub of the green at this tournament. She benefitted from a lucky loser spot after losing in qualifying. Although the Croat has played more matches at the senior level, Andreeva has evolved into a top-class player.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
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Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
