The quarterfinals are set at the WTA HSBC Championships in London, and it’s the best lineup one could have asked for. All the top five seeds are through, and the stage is set for four high-quality matches. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But which players will advance to the semifinals?
WTA London Quarterfinal Predictions
Emma Navarro vs Amanda Anisimova
Head-to-Head: Navarro 0-3 Anisimova
Emma Navarro saved a match point in the second set against Beatriz Haddad Maia before winning the match in three sets. It was a long match, and the American showed great resilience and clutch tennis to get over the line. However, she will have to improve her level drastically to pose a threat to her compatriot, Amanda Anisimova. Navarro has never beaten Anisimova, but their last two matches were close. I will go with the in-form player in this one, and the head-to-head will also play a part.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Tatjana Maria
Head-to-Head: Rybakina 1-0 Maria
Elena Rybakina found some of her best tennis again towards the end of the clay season, and now she is off to a good start in London. The former Wimbledon champion defeated Heather Watson without losing her serve. Rybakina served 9 aces, and if she keeps serving like this, she will be extremely hard to stop. Tatjana Maria took out the ailing Karolina Muchova and is in her second quarterfinal of the season. This has been a very positive week for Maria, but I don’t think she will trouble Rybakina enough.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Madison Keys vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-Head: Keys 1-0 Shnaider
Madison Keys was trailing by a break in the first set, but got the break back quickly and never looked back. It was a good performance from the American in her first match on grass this season. Diana Shnaider will be a stern test, and Keys must be ready for the challenge. Shanider’s record on this surface is fantastic in her short career, and she knows how to win matches without playing at her best. However, to beat a player of Keys’ calibre, she must bring her top level.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Qinwen Zheng vs Emma Raducanu
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Emma Raducanu played a great match in the second round against Rebecca Sramkova and had chances to bagel the Slovakian in the first set. Other than a confidence blip while serving for the first set, she had great moments in the match and looks set to give a tough fight to her next opponent. Qinwen Zheng had to come back from a break down in the third set to win her second-round match against McCartney Kessler. It was a high-quality match with both players serving great. This will be the first meeting between Raducanu and Zheng, and it can go either way. I am backing the local player.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
