The quarterfinals at WTA Sao Paulo have served up a mix of breakthrough runs and familiar names, with players riding very different paths to get here. Some have come through the draw with relative ease, while others had to battle through long matches to reach this stage. With form lines varying and no shortage of momentum shifts, each matchup carries its own intrigue. But who will advance to the semifinals?
WTA Sao Paulo Quarterfinal Predictions
Janice Tjen vs Alexandra Eala
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Janice Tjen has pieced together her best week on tour so far, finding confidence in her serve and feeding off the big moments. Eala, meanwhile, has been steady, continuing the consistency that’s carried her deep into draws throughout the season. They’ve never faced each other before, so it’s a fresh matchup with no prior baggage. Eala’s lefty angles could trouble Tjen if she finds her rhythm early, but Tjen’s momentum from earlier rounds suggests this one might not be straightforward.
Prediction: Eala in 3
Francesca Jones vs Solana Sierra
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jones has battled her way through the draw with gritty baseline play, showing plenty of resilience in tight moments. Sierra has looked sharp all week, carrying the composure that’s seen her rise up the rankings this season. This is their first meeting, so it’s all about how their styles match up on the day. Jones thrives when she can extend rallies, while Sierra prefers to dictate, which makes for a contrast worth watching. Whoever sets the tone early could tilt this encounter in their favor.
Prediction: Sierra in 3
Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaona vs Panna Udvardy
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Rakotomanga Rajaona has impressed with her shot-making and composure, stringing together a breakthrough run that’s turned plenty of heads. Udvardy, with more experience at this stage of tournaments, has managed her matches well and looks comfortable in these conditions. They haven’t met before, which adds to the unpredictability. If Rakotomanga Rajaona keeps swinging freely, she can trouble Udvardy, but sustaining that level across two sets will be the challenge. Udvardy’s steadiness could prove telling in the long rallies.
Prediction: Udvardy in 3
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Renata Zarazua
Head-to-Head: Haddad Maia 1–0 Zarazua
Renata Zarazua has played some inspired tennis to reach this point, mixing in variety and clever shot selection. Haddad Maia, carrying the weight of home expectation, has been clinical so far, using her power to dominate from the back of the court. Their head-to-head history leans toward Haddad Maia, who’s had the edge in past meetings. That said, Zarazua’s ability to disrupt rhythm with her all-court game means this could get interesting if she settles in. The balance between aggression and variety will decide who moves through.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports