The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is set for thrilling quarterfinals on Saturday, with all of the Top 5 seeds and five of the world`s Top 6 players competing.
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek boasts an impressive record in Stuttgart. She has won 11 out of 12 matches here, securing titles in both 2022 and 2023 by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the finals.
“I am definitely proud of my past successes here,” Swiatek mentioned. “It`s always nice to return and reminisce, but I need to concentrate on the present and future.”
Focus will be crucial for Swiatek as she faces Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals, a player who has historically been a challenging opponent for her.
Ostapenko holds a 5-0 winning record against Swiatek. However, they have never competed on clay, Swiatek`s preferred surface.
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We preview the quarterfinal matches scheduled for Saturday:
No. 3 Jessica Pegula vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova
This match features two WTA 500 titleholders from this year and is expected to be a close contest. Predicting a winner is challenging.
Pegula won the Charleston title recently, while Alexandrova claimed victory in Linz in February. In their previous matches this week, Pegula defeated Magdalena Frech comfortably, and Alexandrova overcame No. 6 seed Mirra Andreeva.
They last played two weeks ago in the Charleston semifinals, where Pegula won in three sets.
“It’s hard to predict what will happen on Saturday,” Pegula commented. “Our match in Charleston was very intense. I was fortunate to win that match.”
“Playing against her is always a battle.”
Like Linz, Stuttgart is an indoor tournament, which suits Alexandrova’s game. However, her Linz title was on hard court, which is arguably her stronger surface.
Alexandrova believes that lowering personal expectations is key to her success. This approach helped her defeat Karolina Muchova in Linz and Andreeva.
“When you don’t have excessive pressure about how the match should unfold, it becomes easier,” Alexandrova explained. “You can focus on the present moment and tackle any issues as they arise, even if things aren`t going perfectly.”
Head-to-head record: 2-2. Pegula has won both clay court matches against Alexandrova.
No. 2 Iga Swiatek vs. Jelena Ostapenko
Swiatek has an impressive clay court record, winning 90 out of 101 matches. However, she emphasizes that transitioning from hard courts to clay requires adjustment.
“It`s not automatic just because I`m on clay,” Swiatek stated. “We spend most of the year on hard courts, so I still need time to adapt to clay.”
“But I feel confident in my game.”
Swiatek demonstrated strong form in her win over Jana Fett.
However, Ostapenko, known for her aggressive style, poses a significant challenge. Ostapenko defeated No. 7 seed Emma Navarro in three sets, hitting 44 winners with 21 unforced errors.
A key factor in the Swiatek-Ostapenko match will be break points. Ostapenko was efficient in converting break points against Navarro and also defended her serve effectively.
Head-to-head record: 5-0 for Ostapenko, including a recent win in Doha.
Ostapenko said about facing Swiatek, “I need to maintain my aggressive game. I am always prepared for tough matches against top players. She is a great player.”
No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka vs Elise Mertens
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka may be slightly disadvantaged as Mertens has already played and won two matches in Stuttgart.
Sabalenka`s first match was delayed due to a bye and a withdrawal from her opponent, but she has a strong head-to-head record against Mertens and a good history at this tournament, reaching three finals in Stuttgart.
“I lost three Stuttgart finals to World No. 1s,” she mentioned. “Maybe it’s time to win it as World No. 1.”
Mertens is in good form, having reached two finals this year, including a title in Singapore. She defeated Diana Shnaider in the previous round.
Head-to-head record: 8-2 for Sabalenka. Mertens won their initial matches, but Sabalenka has dominated since 2020.
No. 4 Coco Gauff vs. No. 5 Jasmine Paolini
This quarterfinal is another high-quality match featuring two Top 6 players.
Gauff had a comfortable win in her opening match, while Paolini defeated two German players to reach this stage.
Defense is expected to be a prominent aspect of this match. Both players are familiar with each other’s games due to practice sessions.
“Jasmine is an incredible mover with a strong forehand and great fighting spirit,” Gauff said about Paolini. “It will be a challenging match, good preparation for Roland Garros.”
Paolini also spoke highly of Gauff: “Her ball is very powerful. I need to be aggressive and try to dictate the points.”
“She is a complete player with strong serve, movement, and return. I must be focused every point.”
Head-to-head record: 2-0 for Gauff. They have never played on clay.
Rupert Caldwell