WTA San Diego Quarterfinal Predictions Including Jessica Pegula vs Anna Blinkova

Donna Vekic vs Katie Boulter

Head-to-head: First meeting

Vekic survived a minor scare in her second-round match on Thursday, battling in a three-set shootout against qualifier Marina Stakusic, the World No. 283. This is the first meeting between the two, yet they were slated to play on two other occasions before injuries occurred in 2018 and 2019. Boulter seems to be at a higher level of tennis right now — she took out Beatriz Haddad Maia on Thursday for her fourth WTA Top 20 win, winning 3-6 6-3 6-4. Look for her to continue her momentum on Friday. 

Prediction: Boulter in 3

Wang Xinyu vs Marta Kostyuk

Head-to-head: First meeting

Kostyuk had to retire in her last tournament appearance in Doha, but she’s looked solid this week in the States. However, Wang played great tennis to stun fourth seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Thursday night. The Chinese No. 2 is no stranger to success in the United States, as she made the fourth round at the 2023 US Open. As for Kostyuk, there should be some pressure on her – she elected not to defend her maiden WTA 250 title in Austin last year. Expecting a long, three-set match as a result, with Wang continuing her run this week.  

Prediction: Wang in 3

Jessica Pegula vs Anna Blinkova

Head-to-head: Pegula 2-0

It’s been smooth sailing for Pegula so far in California, but she hasn’t had as much matchplay compared to Blinkova. On the other hand, Blinkova achieved two solid victories, and by no means being the heavy favorite. After taking out Caroline Wozniacki and Daryna Yastremska, the latter an Australian Open semifinalist, look for her to push the American early on. Pegula should gradually become more consistent as the match goes on. I expect another semifinal appearance for her in San Diego. Pegula won 6-2 6-0 in the pair’s last meeting.

Prediction: Pegula in 2