Four Americans remain at the WTA Memphis Classic. But two of them will clash in the quarterfinals as Peyton Stearns takes on Elvina Kalieva. Who will reach the semifinals?
WTA Memphis Quarterfinal Predictions
Caty McNally vs Kristina Liutova
Head-to-head: first meeting
McNally beat Yexin Ma in straight sets to reach her fourth WTA quarterfinal of the season. She’s on 19 wins in 2026, officially her best return at Tour level. Liutova is having a breakthrough week in Memphis, backing up her big upset of Alexandrova by knocking out former Top 30 player Maya Joint to reach a Tour-level quarterfinal on debut. There is no ceiling to what Liutova can achieve, and the signs are very promising. But this will be a completely different challenge for the 16-year-old. McNally brings an attacking and varied brand of tennis that she may not be accustomed to in her young career. That said, Liutova has exceeded expectations this week, and she’ll still be dangerous.
Prediction: McNally in 3
Renata Zarazua vs Anastasia Zakharova
Head-to-head: first meeting
Zakharova advanced to her third career WTA quarterfinal with a big win over Camila Osorio. The Russian has now won back-to-back matches at this level for the first time since the Miami Open. With this run, she will be back in the Top 100. Zarazua has not dropped a set, tallying impressive wins over McCartney Kessler and Tatjana Maria. Zakharova’s power is an obvious weapon, but Zarazua has shown this week she can neutralize that style.
Prediction: Zarazua in 3
Katie Volynets vs Darja Vidmanova
Head-to-head: first meeting
23-year-old Vidmanova beat former US Open champion Sloane Stephens 6-2 6-4 to reach her maiden WTA quarterfinal. Volynets, for her part, delivered her most clinical performance of the week so far by defeating Iryna Shymanovich 6-4 6-2. Volynets has picked up 6 wins since the start of July, with the only defeat coming in the Newport Beach final against Tatjana Maria. Vidmanova brings an aggressive game, but it’s the level Volynets has faced repeatedly, and the American does her best work on defense.
Prediction: Volynets in 2
Peyton Stearns vs Elvina Kalieva
Head-to-head: Kalieva 1-0 Stearns
Stearns is now the second-highest-ranked player in the draw at the Memphis Classic. The American improves to 20-16 for the season after beating Prozorova. She will contest her first WTA quarterfinal since winning the title in Austin, Texas, in early March. Kalieva notched her 31st win in all competitions after rallying from a set down to stun Zeynep Sonmez in three. Stearns’ level has improved with every match this week, with each performance looking cleaner and more convincing. I think she will likely find another gear in this quarterfinal match.
Prediction: Stearns in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
