Both seeded top players and lesser-known names will all fight for a semifinal appearance in the WTA 250 event in Den Bosch. LWOT previews all four upcoming matches, to be played on Friday.
WTA Den Bosch Quarterfinal Predictions
Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Suzan Lamens
Head-to-head: First meeting
Lamens is etching closer to her career high of No. 64 in the world, and a big win Friday should make that jump happen. She’s played well in front of her home crowd, and has been solid taking out players outside the Top 100, in which Cocciaretto sits ranked 123rd in the world. Cocciaretto hasn’t dropped a set this week, and cruised past the dangerous Bernarda Pera in the second round. But Lamens’ tricky defending might trouble Cocciarretto, and the Italian particularly struggles with consistency at times. The Dutch will get a big win here in a long match.
Prediction: Lamens in 3
Yue Yuan vs Elise Mertens
Head-to-head: Yuan 1-0
Yuan won the pair’s only meeting in 2019, but Mertens is in much better form right now. The Belgian swept aside Maria Sakkari in straight sets on Thursday, a player she had struggled to beat in recent matches. Yuan has looked strong as a lucky loser this week, but her inconsistency on her groundstrokes could be tough against a steady player like Mertens. Mertens will look to make the semifinals of this tournament for the first time, after losing in the first round here in 2024.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Elena-Gabriela Ruse vs Bianca Andreescu
Head-to-head: First meeting
Andreescu’s comeback has been promising, and it might get even better if she can get past the gritty and tough Ruse. Andreescu hasn’t had patches of consistent play for years, but one of her high points of 2024 was making the final of this tournament. The Canadian got a big win over Lulu Sun in the last round, and should be the favorite. Ruse hasn’t dropped a set in qualifying and main-draw matches, but Andreescu has a bit more firepower and confidence on these courts.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Veronika Kudermetova vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Alexandrova 4-3
These two have an intriguing rivalry. Alexandrova took out Kudermetova in the final of this tournament in 2023, winning 4-6 6-4 7-6 (3), and the pair also matched up here in 2022. Alexandrova has won two titles at this tournament, and she also swept Kudermetova weeks ago at the French Open, winning 6-2 6-2. Both players have big games that suit each other well on a fast court, but Alexandrova should have the confidence to win this.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
