After a thrilling first week at Wimbledon, the tournament is fast approaching the business end as the quarterfinals get underway with two intriguing matches featuring four surprise quarterfinalists. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every quarterfinal match, including in the men’s singles, but who will secure their spot in the last four?
Wimbledon Quarterfinal Predictions
Donna Vekic vs Lulu Sun
Liam: On this side of the draw, there is a real opportunity after Coco Gauff’s loss for a first-time finalist. Lulu Sun has been the tournament’s story so far and she really shone against Emma Raducanu. The world #123 came through qualifying and has not looked back, her lefty forehands are particularly awkward to play against with their wicked spin.
Donna Vekic stands in her way as the experienced Croat looks to make her first-ever Grand Slam semifinal. Her big but unreliable first serve at times can be the making or breaking of her results, if she can have a solid day on the serving front paired with the aggressive flat forehand which is conducive to success on this surface, then she will edge it.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Ateet: Sun played an astonishing match to upset Raducanu and reach the quarterfinals. She hit 52 winners in that match which is the most winners hit by any player on the women’s side so far this Wimbledon. Her forehand is a big weapon, and she misses no opportunities to finish the points at the net. Vekic continues her great form by beating Paula Badosa in three sets in a start-stop match. Her game is big for grass, and she can reach the finals if she continues to play her best tennis. She looked a bit gassed at the end of the match, but she has those looks often so maybe it’s nothing. Tough to call but I am going with Vekic.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Jordan: Sun played incredibly against Emma Raducanu. If she performs like that again, even a strong player on grass like Vekic will struggle to stop her. Sun burning out after her unexpected run is a possibility, but I am going to back her to avoid that fate. Getting Vekic on the move is the key to beating her, and Sun is capable of doing that with her heavy topspin forehand.
Prediction: Sun in 2
Jim: It has been a dream tournament for Sun, but after her thrilling win over home hope Raducanu she will need to guard against a potential letdown when she takes on Vekic. The Croatian is an experienced campaigner with a very solid grass-court game. She might not have a huge amount of experience at the Majors, but she has the edge over Sun there and does not find herself playing in a third Grand Slam quarterfinal by coincidence.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
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Emma Navarro vs Jasmine Paolini
Liam: Two cases of breakthrough years even if on a slightly different scale. Emma Navarro really announced herself with a terrific win against world #2 Coco Gauff. Her court coverage was outstanding, and she was able to exploit Gauff’s frail-looking forehand. Jasmine Paolini is displaying great versatility and is backing up her run to a runners-up medal at Roland Garros. Despite her small stature, she is able to generate such power and go toe-to-toe with many of the greatest baseliners. She will continue a fairytale 2024 and book a place in the Wimbledon semifinals.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Ateet: Navarro is playing the best tennis of her life and completely outplayed the world #2 Gauff. Her game is so simple yet so effective. It’s hard to find any weakness and she defends well. Paolini continues her dream run, albeit with a bit of luck. She played a flawless first set against Madison Keys, serving well and being aggressive on returns. It was a great match for the most part until Keys got injured. Both Navarro and Paolini will fancy their chances to make the semifinals, but Navarro leads the head-to-head 3-0 and, two of the meetings came this year. Edge to Navarro.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Jordan: Paolini has lost all her previous three meeting against Navarro, although this will be the first on grass. The Italian is tough to stop when her forehand is firing, but it is hard to go against Navarro. Her level against Naomi Osaka and Gauff was higher than anything Paolini has produced during her run so far. The American is likely to be slightly more solid on grass.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Jim: It has been quite the summer for Paolini, who’s run to the last eight is possibly even more of a surprise than her runner-up showing in Paris. That is also why it is hard to see her progressing beyond the last eight. The Italian clearly has a very bright future, but her game still has weaknesses on the grass and Navarro, who has been in superb form, looks very well-placed to take advantage of them.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Main photo credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports