BNP Paribas Open 2023, Day 8: Women's singles predictions ft. Iga Swiatek vs Sorana Cirstea and Elena Rybakina vs Karolina Muchova

Reigning Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek anchor the two remaining quarterfinals at the BNP Paribas Open 2023 and will be in action on Thursday (March 16).

The top-billed players now find themselves locked in enticing match-ups featuring dangerous-looking names in the form of Karolina Muchova and Sorana Cirstea —both of whom know a thing or two about pulling off an upset on the big stage.

Here, we take a look at what the BNP Paribas Open 2023 Day 8 match-ups may have in store:

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BNP Paribas Open 2023: Elena Rybakina vs Karolina Muchova

Elena Rybakina will take on Karolina Muchova.

One of three Grand Slam champions remaining in the draw, Elena Rybakina will take on Karolina Muchova for a place in the semifinals. The Kazakh has powered through the slow court conditions in Indian Wells and is yet to drop a set.

In the form of the crafty Muchova, though, she faces a unique test. When playing at her best, the Czech can hit any shot in the book. She also possesses solid groundstrokes and can go toe-to-toe with the biggest hitters on tour from the baseline.

On the comeback road following an injury-induced hiatus still, Muchova remains an enigma though. While she has been forced to get the trainer out on the court a couple of times this week, she has also outlasted the likes of Victoria Azarenka and Marketa Vondrousova in three-set epics. That alone should leave little double in the minds of viewers that, if fully fit, the Czech could give Rybakina a run for her money.

Prediction: Muchova to win in three sets

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BNP Paribas Open 2023: Iga Swiatek vs Sorana Cirstea

Iga Swiatek is the BNP Paribas Open defending champion.

Iga Swiatek came into the 2023 season with her work cut out. A 37-match winning streak had seen her soar to titles over the Middle East swing, Sunshine Double, and European summer. This year, however, she has gone 1-1 in terms of being able to defend her titles.

Playing in Indian Wells, the Pole seems to be thriving in slower conditions — posting straight-set wins over fellow Grand Slam champions Bianca Andreescu and Emma Raducanu.

Against Sorana Cirstea, Swiatek faces a somewhat different challenge. A master at counterpunching, Cirstea has stunned the likes of Caroline Garcia and Madison Keys this week. While the weight on the shots coming from Swiatek is a lot different and more consistent, the Romanian could still ask a few questions of the top seed.

Prediction: Iga Swiatek to win in three sets