A couple of quarter-final picks from the WTA Berlin Open today, both on grass and both with some interesting storylines attached. Let's get into it.
WTA Berlin Tennis Open Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: Pegula 2-2 Keys
A genuinely even rivalry, and the 2-2 record doesn't quite tell the full story. Keys has always had the power to hurt Pegula, and on grass that big forehand can do real damage when she's timing it well. That said, Pegula has been one of the most consistent players on tour over the last couple of years and her ability to absorb pace and stay in points without panicking gives her a real edge in tight moments.
Grass isn't Keys' best surface and Pegula's footwork and return game tend to give big hitters more problems than they expect. I think this goes three sets but Pegula's steadiness sees her through, all things considered.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Linda Noskova vs Paula Badosa Gibert
Head-to-head: Noskova 1-0 Gibert
Badosa has been working her way back from injury and her ranking at 142 reflects how little she's played recently rather than her actual level on a good day. She's a quality player and grass suits her game reasonably well, so she won't just roll over. That said, Noskova is ranked 13th for a reason, and her flat, penetrating ball strikes well on this surface. Hard to see this being competitive at all.
Noskova takes the head-to-head lead at 2-0 and moves through, though I feel like Badosa makes enough of it to push her to three sets.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Marcin Cholewinski/ZUMA Press Wire