The quarterfinals on the Credit One WTA Charleston Open have all of the components for a memorable day on the inexperienced clay. Iva Jovic rides a wave of residence assist into her last-eight conflict, two former champions in Madison Keys and Belinda Bencic are on a collision course, and defending title holder Jessica Pegula appears to be like to remind everybody why she owns this event. The floor rewards persistence and punishes errors — and at this stage, there isn’t a margin for any. As all the time, we right here at LWOT will likely be providing our predictions for each match on the schedule. But who will advance?
WTA Charleston Quarterfinal Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-Head: Pegula 2–0 Shnaider
Pegula, the highest seed and defending champion, has regarded sharp and regular all week, utilizing her consistency and good courtroom positioning to put on down opponents. Shnaider is a robust ball-striker with good current outcomes, however Pegula’s expertise on these courts and talent to maintain the ball deep ought to frustrate the Russian. The American’s clay title right here final yr exhibits she is aware of how one can shut out necessary moments on inexperienced clay.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
McCartney Kessler vs Yuliia Starodubtseva
Head-to-Head: Kessler leads 1–0 Starodubtseva
Kessler has battled properly to achieve the quarterfinal, exhibiting battle and consistency from the baseline after some robust three-set wins. Starodubtseva earned her place with gritty performances and has occasional success on clay, however Kessler’s extra constant aggressive type over the previous yr and higher current outcomes give her the instruments to manage the longer factors. She ought to have sufficient selection and health to tug forward.
Prediction: Kessler in 2
Iva Jovic vs Anna Kalinskaya
Head-to-Head: First assembly
The younger American Jovic, seeded fourth, has regarded sturdy in her Charleston debut. She eased previous Alycia Parks in straight units and brings critical momentum from an enormous hard-court season, together with an Australian Open quarterfinal run. This is her first full clay swing, and he or she has been working arduous to enhance her motion and sliding on the floor. Kalinskaya, the eighth seed, began her clay season with a snug win over Victoria Tomova and Paula Badosa and has reached the quarterfinals right here earlier than. She strikes properly and hits cleanly from the baseline. Jovic’s current confidence, athleticism, and talent to fluctuate her sport ought to assist her deal with the longer rallies and take management on this slower inexperienced clay.
Prediction: Jovic in 3
Madison Keys vs Belinda Bencic
Head-to-Head: Keys leads 3–2 Bencic
Keys, the fifth seed and a former champion right here, brings highly effective groundstrokes and big-match expertise. She has regarded harmful when discovering her rhythm this season. Bencic, seeded third and a previous winner in Charleston, strikes fantastically on clay and has been in strong type, together with sturdy hard-court outcomes main into the clay swing. Their matchups are often shut, however Bencic’s further consolation and selection on this floor ought to let her dictate play extra typically.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images