We have reached the final eight at WTA Austin as a wide-open field looks to progress into the weekend. The fourth edition of the ATX Open has seen its fair share of upsets throughout the week; what will Friday bring? As always, we at LWOT have the previews and predictions for all four quarterfinals matches. But who will advance?
WTA Austin Quarterfinal Predictions
Ashlyn Krueger vs Yue Yuan
Head-to-Head: Krueger 1-0 Yuan
21-year-old Ashlyn Krueger reached a career-high ranking of No. 29 last summer but has since slid back outside the Top 100. The American is one of the most talented players left in the WTA Austin draw and could use a weekend result to restore her confidence. Lucky Loser Yue Yuan has played well this season, but she does not have the power to match the young American.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Peyton Stearns vs Oksana Selekhmeteva
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Peyton Stearns is back where she won the NCAA Division I Women’s Singles National Championship in spring 2022 for the University of Texas. The No. 4 seed has the backing of the home crowd and is now the favorite to bring home the title. Selekhmeteva is playing some of the best tennis of her career over the last six months, but she does not have the tools to match Stearns. who should be sensing a massive opportunity to claim her second WTA title.
Prediction: Stearns in 2
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Kimberly Birrell
Head-to-Head: Tomljanovic 1-0 Birrell
Halfway across the world from their home country, Aussies Ajla Tomljanovic and Kimberly Birrell square off with a spot in the WTA Austin semifinals on the line. Tomljanovic is coming off a terrific upset of phenom Iva Jovic. She has not had the most fruitful start to the season, but this week should give her a lot of confidence going forward. Birrell was bageled in her first set of the tournament but has bounced back nicely. However, it is hard to pick against someone coming off the win that Tomljanovic secured.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 2
Taylor Townsend vs Rebeka Masarova
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Taylor Townsend has made the most out of her WTA Austin wildcard and should feel as if she has as good a chance as anyone to claim Sunday’s title. When healthy, the 29-year-old American has played solid tennis over the last six months. Qualifier Rebeka Masarova has lost just one set in four matches at the ATX Open. This was a much-needed result for a player who had not won back-to-back matches at any level since July. However, this will likely be the end of the line, as Townsend will be able to overwhelm her from the back of the court.
Prediction: Townsend in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports