Anastasija Sevastova versus Sloane Stephens

This was not the quarterfinal people believed would come to pass by the time play was completed this past Sunday.  Sloane Stephens held up her end of the bargain by continuing her tear this summer, but instead of Maria Sharapova, she will face the Russian's vanquisher, Anastasija Sevastova for a berth in the semifinals.  This has the makings of being an enthralling match like the three-set tussle between Sharapova and Sevastova in the previous round.  Once again, the Latvian finds herself facing someone in Stephens who has greater firepower than her from the ground and on serve, making the American the one more likely to be dictating the rallies. 

There will be an added wrinkle for the sixteenth seed this time around though, as Stephens covers the court better than Sharapova and is more comfortable in the forecourt.  That said, Sevastova's game could still prove to be troublesome for Stephens.  Sevastova exhibits a lot of variety from either wing, and she can effectively employ her bag of tricks from both the baseline and up at the net.  Stephens does not want to engage in a game of cat-and-mouse with the Latvian, and she is going to have to stay patient and not become rattled by the various looks Sevastova will throw at her.  If Stephens can do that, then her more imposing skill set should see her continue her miraculous run to the final four.  If not, then Sevastova has the game and the gumption to advance in her stead.

Venus Williams versus Petra Kvitova

If history is any indication, fireworks are sure to be aplenty in this quarterfinal clash of titans that feature Venus Williams against Petra Kvitova with a spot in the semifinals hanging in the balance.  All five of their prior meetings have gone the distance, and based on the form both have shown to this stage, it could very well be more of the same in this sixth encounter.  Between the two, it is the Czech who actually owns the bigger game, and if on, will be in the better position to put Williams on the defense throughout the larger percentage of this match.  Kvitova's serve is also the more solid of the pair and comes with the advantages typically enjoyed by lefties.  Additionally, Kvitova also has some nice feel and will have her looks at taking the net away from the American.  For Williams, also an offensive-minded player, her approach to this match should be slightly different than her matches to this point. 

She is still going to have her chances to dictate and should unquestionably look to do so whenever possible, but she can also make inroads by being the more consistent of the pair.  Her court coverage is superior to that of thirteenth seed's, and she is more match-tough to better mentally hang in the long rallies.  Williams has enjoyed more success this season as well, having already reached two major finals, so she is arguably more equipped to handle the moment at this present time better than Kvitova.  That said, Kvitova does hold a 4-1 lead in their rivalry, and she looked impressive in dispatching Garbiñe Muguruza, the hottest player on the tour right now, in the last round.  If Kvitova continues to feel the ball that well heading into this match, then she can inflict her will just enough to garner another upset and make the semifinals.  Even so, it is hard to bet against Williams, who has been so solid all year long.  All told, this has the ingredients to become another classic, and the outcome should not come as a shock either way.

Sam Querrey versus Kevin Anderson

Sam Querrey is taking the home fans for a fun ride with his trip to the quarterfinals, the first American man to make that kind of a run here since 2011.  Located in the wide-open bottom half of the draw, fans are optimistic that he will continue that run, but to do so, he will first have to get by Kevin Anderson.  Querrey will be fully aware that there is no guarantee he is going to get by the South African.  Their rivalry is a close one, with Querrey holding the slight edge at 8-6.  They have split both of their encounters this season, with Querrey winning a five-set thriller at Wimbledon and Anderson getting the better of the American in straight sets earlier this summer in Montreal. 

Not surprisingly, a number of their matches have included several tiebreaks, suggesting that there is little to choose between the two.  Both play similar styles, with games centered around their booming serves and big forehands. Querrey is perhaps a little quicker around the court with a little more juice on his shots, but Anderson has historically had a better read and feel at the net.  The difference-maker then could be which one psychologically handles this moment better, and in that area, the clear edge should lie with Querrey.  It is possible that Querrey may feel the pressure of being the favorite or go on one of the walkabouts that have plagued him throughout his career, but it does not feel like that is apt to happen on Tuesday.  He is enjoying the best season of his career and made the semifinals earlier this summer at Wimbledon.  He has been here more often than Anderson, and it is difficult to imagine his confidence is not soaring high after the kind of dominant performance he logged against Mischa Zverev in the last round.  Anderson may have the tools to upend Querrey, but all signs point to a victory for the American.