Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WTA Wimbledon match.
The Wimbledon quarter-final could prove to be a landmark occasion: 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva has matched Maria Sharapova’s record, becoming the youngest player in the past two decades to reach this stage of the tournament. Her opponent is the experienced Belinda Bencic, who has reached the last eight in London for the first time in her nine appearances.
Mirra Andreeva
Mirra Andreeva is enjoying a remarkable season and has already broken into the WTA top 10. Since 2023, she has notched up 10 wins in 12 matches at Wimbledon and has emerged victorious in four of her last five quarter-final outings on hard and grass courts. She is yet to drop a set in London, and her commanding 6:2, 6:3 win over Emma Navarro — who had previously beaten Veronika Kudermetova and Barbora Krejcikova — demonstrated the Russian's high level of play.
Belinda Bencic
Belinda Bencic has shown promising signs since her return from maternity leave, but her game has lacked consistency. Against Ekaterina Alexandrova, she benefited from some good fortune, having trailed in both winners and unforced errors, yet still managed to come through (7:6, 6:4). Her previous round against Elisabetta Cocciaretto was also settled in a tie-break. Since coming back, Bencic has struggled against top-level opposition, losing five of her seven encounters with top-10 players.
Mirra Andreeva vs Belinda Bencic Prediction
Mirra Andreeva is currently performing at a level consistent with the WTA top 5, combining variety in her shot-making with impressive composure. Up against Belinda Bencic, whose form remains uneven and who has found it difficult to challenge elite players, the Russian is backed to secure victory in straight sets.
