The WTA Brisbane International has thrown up four exciting quarterfinal matches, headlined by two of the top three seeds. Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys will face off in an Australian Open final rematch. Who will reach the semifinals?
WTA Brisbane Quarterfinal Predictions
Mirra Andreeva vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: first meeting
Mirra Andreeva saved two match points to down Linda Noskova and reach her third successive quarterfinal in Brisbane. Kostyuk, meanwhile, secured a massive win over second seed Amanda Anisimova. That was the Ukrainian’s first Top 10 win in a year. These two have never met before. Kostyuk can hit through opponents with her heavy forehand, but Andreeva doesn’t give away rhythm cheaply, and it has always taken a streaky player to beat her in this tournament in the last two seasons.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Karolina Muchova
Head-to-head: Rybakina 1-1 Muchova
2024 champion Elena Rybakina has started the year with two commanding wins this week. Having trailed 1-4 in the head-to-head against Badosa, Rybakina has now defeated the Spaniard in their fourth successive meeting and now leads their series 5-4. Rybakina is also a perfect 7-0 in Brisbane. Before a potential semifinal meeting against top seed Sabalenka, Rybakina faces a stern test against World No. 20 Karolina Muchova. The Czech is neat and crafty, but against Rybakina, who serves almost effortlessly, she will likely struggle to impose that brand of tennis.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Liudmila Samsonova
Head-to-head: Pegula 4-2 Samsonova
In two very close matches, Pegula’s pace tolerance has been terrific. She’s dug out two very impressive wins against Anna Kalinskaya and Dayana Yastremska. In both matches, Pegula was on the brink of defeat but came out victorious in three sets. But that level of persistence and patience is unlikely to be sustainable for the remainder of the tournament. Liudmila Samsonova doesn’t offer much in terms of variety, but her flat groundstrokes could still be a threat if she forces Pegula into defensive positions.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 5-2 Keys
The last showdown on Australian soil between these two was a heartbreaking one for Sabalenka, but a joyful one for Keys, who won her first Grand Slam. Sabalenka was able to avenge that loss in Indian Wells just a few months later. Sabalenka continues to redline through the ball and owns a near-perfect record in Brisbane. Her improved composure in the last 12 months might be the tiniest advantage she needs to overcome Keys in tight moments.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images