The quarterfinal lineup is all set at the WTA Bogota. 16-year-old Julieta Pareja looks to break new ground in her fledgling career when she plays Leolia Jeanjean. Top seed Marie Bouzkova remains in the hunt for her second Tour level title. And for the second year in a row, two-time champions Camila Osorio and Tatjana Maria face off. Who will reach the semifinals?
WTA Bogota Quarterfinal Predictions
Julieta Pareja vs Leolia Jeanjean
Head-to-head: first meeting
Earlier this week, Pareja made history in Bogota. She became the first player born in 2009 to win a WTA main draw match. The 16-year-old has not flinched right from qualifying to reach her first Tour level quarterfinal. That run includes a straight sets win over Romanian veteran Patricia Maria Tig. That’s a big win for the young American who has Colombian roots (her mother is originally from Bogota). Jeanjean, for her part, bounced back from losing an ITF final in Brazil this past week to romp into her maiden WTA quarterfinal. The Frenchwoman regards clay as her best surface, but the conditions in Bogota might favor Pareja’s style of play. If she makes another quick start and continues to flatten her shots, her confidence can only grow.
Prediction: Pareja in 3
Marie Bouzkova vs Katarzyna Kawa
Head-to-head: first meeting
After a four-match barren spell, there is a semblance of normalcy in Bouzkova’s season. It was only fitting that it had to happen in Bogota, one of two tournaments she headlined a WTA final last year. Kawa has spent the most time on the court of any player left in the draw. She has clocked over 10 hours of playing time, including a couple of three-hour matches and one four-hour match. The Pole has shown remarkable durability to stay in contention for a rare semifinal, but it is doubtful her body can sustain her for a more marathon match.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Julia Riera vs Lea Boskovic
Head-to-head: Riera 1-0 Boskovic
Riera took out Iva Jovic in straight sets to record her fifth win from six matches. Boskovic is coming off a surprise win over Cristina Bucsa to reach her second WTA quarterfinal. Riera won their only career meeting in the Australian Open qualifying in January, and she’s clearly building something after a tough start to the season in which she lost three first-round matches.
Prediction: Riera in 2
Camila Osorio vs Tatjana Maria
Head-to-head: Osorio 1-1 Maria
Osorio ensured a Colombian would be in the quarterfinals after saving a match point against Emina Bektas to win in three. Maria, for her part, rallied from a break down in the second set to beat Hanna Chang 6-0 7-6. Both players are fond of this tournament, having won it a couple of times. But it is Osorio who might edge this one again as she will be the crowd favorite and, most importantly, possesses the defensive skills to deal with Maria’s baseline artistry.
Prdiction: Osorio in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
