After a difficult Wednesday full of rain, we’re finally seeing some WTA action again in Cleveland. Three quarterfinals are already set, with Eva Lys granting Anastasia Zakharova a walkover in one of them. We’ll add the prediction for the fourth once the line-up is established. Who do you think will make the final four at the 2025 Tennis in the Land?
WTA Cleveland Quarterfinal Predictions
Elsa Jacquemot vs Ann Li
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players had to wrap up their second-round matches earlier today, but they likely weren’t long enough for fatigue to be a major factor (and they’ll get a similar window of rest anyway). Elsa Jacquemot, with this run, should have a chance at stabilizing in the Top 100, which she just recently managed to break. Not sure her ceiling is as high as Ann Li’s, and the American hits the bigger ball in this matchup. Li earned a great win over the wunderkind Iva Jovic and should be able to ride that momentum for another victory on the very same day. If she gets on a roll, Jacquemot might struggle to find a way to stop her.
Prediction: Li in 3
Viktorija Golubic vs Xinyu Wang
Head-to-head: First meeting
Viktorija Golubic eventually pulled away from Katie Boulter, but her match hadn’t even begun when Xinyu Wang was already declared the winner over Talia Gibson earlier today. That could be an issue if they manage to wrap up their quarterfinal just a few hours later. Besides, the No. 2 seed has been in strong form since reaching the Berlin final in June (lost to Marketa Vondrousova) and would have been a considerable favorite over Golubic regardless of that extra factor.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Liudmila Samsonova vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: Samsonova 1-0
Liudmila Samsonova absolutely destroyed the field at this event three years ago, barely dropping games in all five matches. The Russian hasn’t been quite as dominant this week, but it wouldn’t be the first time that she picks up her game the week before a Slam. She needs some momentum after losing early in Montreal and Cincinnati and while she isn’t the most consistent player, she should have a bit more to offer than the post-prime version of Sorana Cirstea. The No. 1 seed will have the firepower advantage and clearly enjoys the conditions in Cleveland with her heavy artillery standing out even more than usual.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports