Eight players remain in contention for the title at the WTA 1000 in Dubai and that group does not include World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who was eliminated by Clara Tauson. Can the No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek take over and race toward the trophy? Trying to stop her in the opening match of the day will be the 17-year-old superstar Mirra Andreeva. Who do you think will make the semifinals?
WTA Dubai Quarterfinal Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Sofia Kenin
Head-to-head: Rybakina 2-0
Sofia Kenin was a bit fortunate with the defending champion Jasmine Paolini spraining her ankle against her. But honestly, the American’s form seems good enough that maybe she would have prevailed anyway. No words to describe what Elena Rybakina did against Paula Badosa, surviving six match points in a bit under three hours. The Kazakh should be feeling confident and loose after a win like that. As long as she recovers physically, she’s still the favorite here.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Clara Tauson vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: Tauson 1-0
This was a highly-anticipated clash in the opening round of the Australian Open and it should be just as exciting here. Clara Tauson is now in the Top 10 of the WTA Race, while Linda Noskova is playing amazingly during this part of the season in the Middle East. Both are such powerful ball-strikers and look like their talents might just explode sooner rather than later. Tough to say but perhaps a small edge could be granted to Tauson, simply as she’s coming off the huge win over Aryna Sabalenka and should be flying hight right now.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Karolina Muchova vs Sorana Cirstea/Emma Navarro
Head-to-head: Muchova 4-1
It’s great to see Sorana Cirstea firing up again after missing the entire second half of last season. Her first few performances raised questions about what she can still achieve at this point in her career, but the two wins yesterday should grant her plenty of confidence. Spending almost five hours on the court is bound to make her a bit fatigued though and while Karolina Muchova had to battle against McCartney Kessler, she will be much fresher for this encounter.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-head: Swiatek 1-0
Iga Swiatek is handling herself well in Dubai so far and while these conditions generally don’t suit her as well as the ones in Doha, maybe she can make the most of it after getting blitzed by Jelena Ostapenko last week. The first rendition of this highly-anticipated rivalry was a real battle in Cincinnati last year. Swiatek usually struggles with her timing in that part of the season, which makes her more vulnerable to a good counter-puncher. She seems stronger now and usually giving her a bit too much time is simply a death wish.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
