WTA Chennai Quarterfinal Predictions Including Donna Vekic vs Kimberly Birrell

We’re down to the last eight at the WTA 250 in Chennai after some major upsets in the previous round. Former champion Linda Fruhvirtová was eliminated by rising star Janice Tjen, so for the first time in three years, we will have a new champion. Four matches are on the cards, and we look at each one to predict who will make it to the last four in India.

WTA Chennai Quarterfinal Predictions

Lanlana Tararudee vs Polina Iatcenko

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Lanlana Tararudee caused one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating Zeynep Sonmez in a hard-fought match, rallying from a set down to overcome the top seed. She will now face Polina Iatcenko in the quarterfinal after the Russian sent Katarzyna Kawa packing in a comfortable straight-sets win.

This is a coin toss for both 21-year-olds. The Russian has carried her winning momentum from the ITF circuit into the main Tour, and it feels that reaching the semifinal is within her grasp. So too Tararudee, who is the same age and only ten spots ahead in the rankings, but will undoubtedly be buoyed by her most recent upset.

This promises to be a real contest with little separating the two athletes, though Iatcenko has demonstrated better consistency in recent months, and will be fresher going into this.
Prediction: Iatchenko in 3

Arina Rodionova vs Joanna Garland

Head–to–Head:  First Meeting

This is a tremendous opportunity for both athletes to get as close as possible to winning a maiden title on Tour, having shared a mammoth 33 ITF titles between them. While Garland seems to be the better player on paper, the veteran Aussie showed remarkable resilience to defeat Storm Hunter in the previous round after going a set down. I think she will want this more.
Prediction: Rodionova in 3

Janice Tjen vs Mia Pohankova

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Janice Tjen further emphasized her status as an emerging star with a remarkable comeback victory over Linda Fruvirtova and, as the fourth seed, appears to be the favorite to win this event. But first, she must get past Mia Pohankova, who has made an impact in the tournament thus far, having defeated both Nao Hibino and Diane Parry to reach the quarterfinals.

The teenager has been enjoying a winning streak at lower levels and has carried that momentum into Chennai, but facing Tjen will pose her greatest challenge yet.

The Indonesian, should have the upper hand, but Pohankova has nothing to lose and no pressure, making her a potentially dangerous rival.
Prediction: Tjen in 3

Donna Vekic vs Kimberly Birrell

Head–to–Head: Vekic 2 – 1 Birrell

Donna Vekic and Kimberly Birrell both achieved straight-set victories over local favorites, setting the stage for an exciting quarterfinal in Chennai. This will be their fourth encounter, with Vekic holding a 2-1 advantage in previous meetings, including a win at Wimbledon this year.

Vekic has fallen off since she reached the quarterfinal in Melbourne earlier in the season. Since then, she has been unable to string three consecutive wins together, dropping to #78 from a previous Top 20 ranking. That said, she will be motivated to finish the year strongly. The trend bucks here as she lands a third win on the bounce.
Prediction: Vekic in 2