There are only eight women left at the WTA Iasi Open, including former top 20 tennis player Yulia Putintseva. The Kazakh will face a tough test against the in-form Mayar Sherif. Who will make it to the last four?
Predictions for the WTA quarterfinals in Iasi
Oleksandra Olynykova vs Clara Burel
Face to face: first meeting
Oleynikova opened her account in Iasi with a quick victory over Ipek Oz with a score of 7-6, 7-6. The Ukrainian had an easier task in the second round, where she beat Elena Pridankina with a score of 6-1 6-2. Burel’s three-set victory over Petra Marcinko in Contrexville a week ago was her best ranking win of the season. However, her 6-1 6-1 win over compatriot Elsa Jacquemot in Iasi is probably her best performance since returning from injury. Burel is slowly rediscovering the level that allowed her to enter the top 50 players. I think if she maintains that aggressive depth from the baseline, she can dictate the game and get the better of Oleynikova.
Forecast: Storm at 3
Petra Marcinko vs. Tamara Zidansek
Head-to-head matches: Marcinko – Zidansek 1:0
Zidansek has already done serious damage in the draw, knocking out Emiliana Arango and Anna Bondar. Her victory over the Hungarian took more than three hours. But after surviving these two physical tests, the concern is how much she has left in her tank. Marcinko looked focused and in good shape this week, defeating Nadia Podoroska and Elina Avanesyan. With fresher legs and a more active game, the Croatian should be the clear favorite to reach her fourth semi-final of the season.
Prediction: Marcinko in the 2nd match
Paula Badosa vs Panna Udvardi
Face to face: first meeting
Badosa was on the verge of a humiliating defeat to world number 275 Alevtina Ibragimova in the final round. The Spaniard suffered a double defeat in the decisive game, but played five games in a row and won. She extended her winning streak to seven matches (won the 125 km distance in Bastad). Udvardi left the tournament so late to confirm her place in the quarterfinals. She came from a set down and a breakdown to defeat Katarzyna Kawa. Badosa now knows that one more win will be enough to ensure her return to the top 100. But that’s easier said than done as she fights Udvardi. However, I think Badossa maintained her physical level well and has the all-round game to put an end to the Hungarian’s victory.
Forecast: Badosa at 3
Yulia Putintseva vs Mayar Sherif
Face to face: first meeting
This is Putintseva’s first Tour-level quarterfinal of the season, and the Kazakh hasn’t dropped a set this week. In Iasi she beat Claire Liu and Alina Charaeva and has now won five of her last six matches. Sheriff also looked sharp as she advanced to the quarterfinals, although she needed a second-set tiebreaker to seal her victory over Caitlin Quevedo. The Egyptian is seeking her third title of the season after winning two 125km titles in recent weeks. This has the makings of a physical fight. The sheriff excels at long rallies, but I support Putintseva’s brilliant tactical acumen. The Kazakh woman’s counter-attacks and variety should help her reach the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Putintseva at 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports