Emma Navarro vs Anna Blinkova Prediction: No chance for Anna Blinkova

The quarterfinal match between Emma Navarro and Anna Blinkova at the 2024 Hong Kong WTA is an interesting match, as the two opponents have been in different patches of form for the last period and a 1-1 head-to-head. They both come into this match on different seasons thus far, with Navarro showing a bit more consistency, and Blinkova, who has struggled the last couple of months, managed to pull off a dominant win.

Emma Navarro is in good form and has gone 7-3 in her last 10 matches, defeating Kimberly Birrell very comfortably in straight sets 2-0. She keeps up high percentages of first serves and wins on both the first and second serve, making her a formidable opponent on hard courts. Coming into this quarterfinal as the clear favorite, ranked within the WTA Top 10, she is further helped by a victory over Blinkova at the US Open in August 2024. Furthermore, her consistency with break points converted and a good return game make Navarro formidable on return.

The approach from Navarro would be to dominate the rally at the back with a potent first serve and consistently well-hit groundstrokes. Her talent for winning return points-58% on second serve returns-could prove to be quite decisive in putting pressure on the Blinkova serve and breaking early. This would be accomplished by aggressive returns and deep placement to immediately push her opponent behind her baseline. Navarro's balanced defense and attack could simply uncover Blinkova's inconsistency, especially if double faults remain.

Anna Blinkova enters having lost 8 of her last 10 matches. She does, however, enter this match with plenty of momentum having defeated Simona Halep in straight sets while posting a respectable 77% first-serve percentage and saving all break points. With the struggles this season Blinkova will likely come in as an underdog; however, it is still tough to count her out considering she can win behind first serve 72% of the time and second serve 55% of the time.

Otherwise, she would need to work on her serve to repeat her first-serve percentage of 77% from the last match. She would want to avoid the three double faults that crept into her game against Halep and mix up shots to disrupt Navarro's rhythm. Blinkova can only hope for a chance to force Navarro into longer rallies, where she can deploy her solid defense and patience. She will also have to capitalize on any break point opportunity that comes her way, a scenario she has not fared so well in but did impressively well in her last match.

Navarro has been in more stable form with only three losses in her last ten matches. Her all-surface game, especially on hard courts, puts her in the driving seat. Given Blinkova's struggles this season to find rhythm, the expectation is that Navarro will try to attack Blinkova's second serve and capitalize on her opponent's vulnerability under pressure. Though Blinkova won against Halep, she has not been consistent through the year in terms of her form. Her inconsistency in moments that mattered most could be what gives Navarro an upper hand.

Navarro had 74% first serves and 93% second serve points won, showing great command throughout her service games. Meanwhile, Blinkova, though performing similarly well when serving, was rather fragile on return, which may be exposed by Navarro. Higher ranking and solid return game gives the American more advantage.

• Under 20.5 Games @ 1.612 Odds
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• Emma Navarro Win 2-0 @ 1.44 Odds