The remaining WTA Washington Round of 16 matches are completed on Day 4. This includes Ons Jabeur’s first match since her loss in the third round of Wimbledon to Elina Svitolina. She faces Robin Montgomery, who the Tunisian also played at SW19 a few weeks ago. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for all the matches taking place. But which four players do you think will complete the quarterfinal lineup in Washington?
WTA Washington Day 4 Predictions
Taylor Townsend vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Townsend was outstanding in her demolition of Anastasia Potapova in the last round. The American has a habit of becoming inspired and producing her best tennis on home soil. Despite that, Bouzkova is backed to win a tight match. The Czech enjoys playing in conditions where she can redirect pace, and the fast courts in Washington give her a chance to do that. She may have to deal with periods where Townsend takes the racket out of her hand, but Bouzkova has the mental resolve to deal with that.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Wang Yafan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Wang came from a set down to defeat Karolina Pliskova in the opening round. In truth, Pliskova was awful in the last two sets, and Wang had to do very little to triumph. Azarenka, who fought through two tight sets against Hailey Baptiste, will not make it so easy for Wang. The Chinese player has struggled during the North American hardcourt season throughout her career. Azarenka’s solidity from the baseline makes her an overwhelming favourite.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Paula Badosa vs Liudmila Samsonova
Head-to-head: Samsonova 3-0 Badosa
The head-to-head is slightly misleading in this matchup. Badosa retired in the second set of one of the matches, and the other two were incredibly close three-set battles. Nonetheless, the conditions in Washington and Samsonova’s record at the tournament make her the favourite. She won the event in 2022 and also reached the semifinal last year, losing to the eventual champion Coco Gauff. Samsonova thrives on fast hard courts that assist her serve and flat shots. Badosa is also a powerful player, but she is not as perfectly suited to the Washington courts.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Robin Montgomery
Head-to-head: Jabeur 1-0 Montgomery
Jabeur beat Montgomery in straight sets at Wimbledon, although the American caused her some problems in the second set. The 19-year-old’s powerful serve needs to be working to have a chance. A fast hard court gives Montgomery her best chance of causing an upset, and Jabeur, who is enduring a difficult season, is often rusty in her first match after changing surfaces. The Tunisian’s overall class could still give her the edge, but do not be shocked if there is an upset in this matchup.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
