The first two quarterfinals at Wimbledon are set with an intriguing day of tennis ahead. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for both quarterfinals, as well as the quarterfinal action in the men\u2019s draw. But who will secure their spot in Thursday\u2019s semifinal?<\/p>\n
Jim: It has been a fantastic tournament for Laura Siegemund, but it is hard to see her run continuing into the semifinals. The German is adept at making life difficult for her opponents, but Aryna Sabalenka will probably not give her the chance to do so. The world #1 has probably underperformed on the very biggest stages, but you feel she is very close to being almost unplayable and is also increasingly consistent. Her brand of first-strike tennis should overwhelm Siegemund.<\/p>\n
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2<\/em><\/p>\n Ilemona: Sabalenka has been steamrolling through draws all season, not dropping a set here and crushing tiebreaks like it\u2019s routine, 16 wins out of 17 this year. Siegemund\u2019s run has\u00a0 been a fun surprise though; at 37, she\u2019s playing free and finally found her grass legs. Their last match was six years ago, so while history favors Sabalenka, Siegemund\u2019s nothing-to-lose vibe could make things scrappy early but the world number one should continue her hot streak.<\/p>\n Prediction: Sabalenka in 2 <\/em><\/p>\n Jordan: 37-year-old Siegemund reaching her first Wimbledon singles quarterfinal without dropping a set is the most surprising development of the tournament so far. Sabalenka cannot afford to underestimate the German, who will continually change the pace and focus on frustrating her. The world #1 might have let her emotions boil over a few years ago in this matchup, but Sabalenka\u2019s mentality is different now. I think she will handle this challenge.<\/p>\n Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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