Three quarter-final picks from Cincinnati today, and the headliner is one we've seen plenty of times before. Swiatek and Rybakina meet again, and honestly this one never gets old. Let's get into it.
WTA Cincinnati Open Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Swiatek 7-6 Rybakina
The H2H looks close on paper, but Rybakina has won their last two meetings, and the hard court record specifically tilts her way. Swiatek's game is built for clay, where she can grind and create angles, and while she's a perfectly fine hard court player, Rybakina's serve and flat ball-striking really do cause her problems on a faster surface. The slow conditions in Cincinnati might help Swiatek somewhat, but Rybakina has been playing excellent tennis this summer and I think she closes this one out in three.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Amanda Anisimova vs Jessica Pegula
Head-to-head: Anisimova 0-5 Pegula
Five from five for Pegula in this one, and there's nothing in Anisimova's recent form to suggest that changes today. Pegula has been one of the most reliable hardcourt performers on the WTA tour for a couple of years now and she's been known to show up big in Cincinnati specifically. Hard to see this being competitive at all. That said, Anisimova has the weapons to hurt anyone on a good day, but Pegula wins this comfortably.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Sara Bejlek vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: First meeting
Bejlek has had a solid year and the ranking reflects real progress, but Keys in full flow on hardcourts is a tough draw for almost anyone. Her ball-striking when she's on, and she has looked sharp all week, is as clean as anyone's on the tour, and Cincinnati has historically been a happy hunting ground for her. I feel like Bejlek makes it interesting for a set, but Keys should pull away all things considered.
Prediction: Keys in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Marcin Cholewinski/ZUMA Press Wire