Konta and Osaka made quarters, Serena eliminated at Western & Southern Open

Upsets abound at the Western & Southern Open 2020. While Konta and Osaka make quarters, Serena could not overcome Sakkari and lost 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-1 in the pre-quarter. With the exit of Serena Williams, the event lost its biggest star.

Maria Sakkari as well as Johanna Konta on a roll

Maria Sakkari defeated queen Serena in three after eliminating Putintseva as well as Gauff in straight sets. Sakkari is a steady riser in the ranks with not only a good enough game but also the mind to beat anyone on her day. Ranked as high as 20 recently, Maria appears poised for a strong run at a major. Could it be the US Open 2020?

Johanna Konta came quite close to making slam finals in the past. She has made semi finals of the Australian and French Open, as well as the Wimbledon Championships. She plays aggressive and with flat ground shots from the baseline. Johanna can also create sharp angles as well as winners from ten feet behind the baseline. Her serve is solid and she ranks quite high in the ace count in WTA.

Konta enjoys a 2-1 record against Sakkari so far, their quarterfinal here, however, is tough to call. Konta, of course, is more accomplished and experienced than Sakkari but Maria is riding high with victories over Gauff and Serena.

Osaka and Azarenka also make the quarters

Naomi Osaka defeated Yastremska 6-3, 6-1 in the pre-quarters and as a result will meet Anett Kontaveit next. Osaka leads Anett 3-0 and should win this too. A semifinal showing here would bode well for Osaka’s prospects in the 2020 US Open.

Victoria Azarenka is the surprise of the event so far. Not only did she defeat Vekic, Garcia, as well as Cornet, but also not drop a set en route to the quarters. She meets the 25 years old Ons Jabeur in the quarters. This will be the first meeting between Jabeur and Azarenka, and Azarenka should employ her experience to eke a win here.