Elena Rybakina vs Elina Svitolina, Jelena Ostapenko vs Barbora Krejcikova: Wimbledon quarter-final predictions
The Wimbledon women’s singles draw has thrown up some surprises in 2024, including the quarter-finals in the top half of the draw.
But with three major winners and a former world No 3 completing Wednesday’s line-up, it certainly promises to be an intriguing afternoon.
Former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina will take on tour stalwart Elina Svitolina, while Jelena Ostapenko and Barbora Krejcikova do battle.
We take you through both quarter-finals – and make our predictions.
(13) Jelena Ostapenko vs (31) Barbora Krejcikova
This is not a quarter-final many would have predicted on paper, but both these women come into this contest with huge pedigree.
Ostapenko was a surprise French Open champion in 2017 and a Wimbledon semi-finalist the following season, while 2021 Roland Garros winner Krejcikova has now completed the set of quarter-finals at Slams.
Krejcikova has had a tricky season since a run to the last eight at the Australian Open but the 31st seed – once as high as world No 2 in the rankings – has regained her confidence at SW19.
That was no more obvious than it was in her round four win against in-form Danielle Collins, producing a clean, tactically astute performance to knock the American out.
However, it is a different task against Ostapenko, who has dropped the least games of anyone to reach this stage over the past decade.
The Latvian is consistently inconsistent and has underwhelmed at majors in 2024 but has been rampant at the All England Club, not dropping more than three games in a set.
This will be a step up for the 13th seed but, based on how she has played so far, it is hard to see what Krejcikova can do to stop her.
Prediction: Jelena Ostapenko in two sets
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(4) Elena Rybakina vs (21) Elina Svitolina
The highest player left in the draw, 2022 champion and world No 4 Rybakina is a significant favourite to claim the title once again; can she handle that pressure?
History suggests the ice-cool Kazakh will not be fazed by expectations, but after a wonky run of Slam form, she will need to deliver a consistent performance.
And she has no easy test against 21st Svitolina, who beat Iga Swiatek at this stage in 2023 – and has seemingly recaptured strong form after a disappointing start to the year.
Ukrainian Svitolina has twice reached the semi-final at Wimbledon – making it her most successful Slam results-wise – and never gives an inch.
The former world No 3 is a formidable competitor and will not make it easy for Rybakina, who has not made a major semi-final since the 2023 Australian Open.
Rybakina has rounded into form nicely across her past two matches, however, and won in straight sets when these two met at the French Open last month.
If she is striking the ball cleanly, this match is on Rybakina’s racket.
Prediction: Elena Rybakina in straight sets
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