We’re up to the final four of women’s play and it has been an absolutely engrossing tournament. There have been surprises everywhere but we are finally ready to watch the semifinals. Our panelists are back to predict them for you. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Steen Kirby, contributor Jeff Crady, and brand new writer Ryan Shick.
Panelists’ Predictions 2016 Wimbledon Women’s Semifinal Matches
Serena Williams vs Elena Vesnina
Steen:
Serena is my pick for the title and she’s never lost to Vesnina. The odds are daunting for the Russian.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Jeff:
All credit to the 30 year old Russian, who has railroaded her competition thus far with a powerful serve and forehand. The former world #21 is having a banner year, and is showing the world she is more than just a doubles player. However, tomorrow she runs into arguably the best woman’s player of all time, who has looked especially sharp over her last two matches : a serve that seems to be becoming even more fluid and powerful. Serena says she isn’t focused on the possibility of playing her sister in the slam final, but everyone knows she wants to be there in case Venus can pull through.
Prediction: Serena 2
Ryan:
Vesina has had a great run so far, beating Cibulkova, who looked as good as anyone this Wimbledon, in straight sets. That being said, that was the first serious test she faced in her run as an unranked player to the quarters. Serena is simply on another level. She has had a disappointing last 3 majors to her standards, which includes 2 major finals and a major semifinal appearance. Serena is just too much for Vesina.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Yesh:
I’m actually going to go with the upset here. Vesnina looks right there in this tournament and Serena just seems a little out of it at times. Serena has all of the pressure on her and Vesnina can just swing freely.
Prediction: Vesnina in 3
Venus Williams vs Angelique Kerber
Steen:
Kerber won the grass meeting between this pair, and she’s looked to be in even better form than Vee. Williams has the experience, but I think Kerber will power past her and prevent a Williams sisters Slam final.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Jeff:
Although Williams started the tourney looking languished on court, over the past two rounds her movement has improved greatly, which has lead to her being more aggressive and more effective in moving forward into the court as seen in her dominant win over Shvedova on Tuesday. Venus will be the fans’ choice as the world clamors for her to reach the Wimbledon final possibly one final time. Venus had long said her goal was to qualify for Rio Olympics, and now that she has, many question if she will continue to play after 2016. Kerber has looked tremendous on the court. Her steely determination has been backed by a healthy shoulder and improved serve. Her confidence exudes and she has always been comfortable and successful on the Wimbledon grass. If Venus can keep her first serve percentage up, and her forehand error numbers low she will win. It will be a tall task, but can’t go against the heart in this one.
Prediction: Venus in 3
Ryan:
I am rooting for another Williams sisters finals; that would be great to see and an incredible story. Unfortunately, Kerber has been playing solid tennis recently and can perform at the biggest stages given her Australian Open victory this year. Although Venus has been incredibly successful, she is 36 and has reached her first major semifinal since 2010. She will put you a fight but unfortunately I think Kerber wins a close one.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Yesh:
My prediction here is very simple. I think Kerber will win. She’s playing too well not to. But this might be the last great run Venus has at a Slam and facing a better-playing opponent is no reason for that to end.
Prediction: Venus in 3
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