Only two rounds remain until we crown at champion at the 2019 Australian Open. The four semifinalists couldn’t be more different. We have a college player in the midst of her best tournament ever. We have a rising star who just won her first Major at last year’s US Open. There is a two-time Wimbledon champion finally returning to form after a tragic injury. And, of course, we have a player who just beat a 23-time Slam champion. Who will move on to the final? Our writers predict it for you. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Jack Rossiter-Munley, Ryan Schick, Brett Margolies, and Isaac Farnworth.
Australian Open Women’s Semifinals Predictions
Petra Kvitova vs Danielle Collins
Jack:
Danielle Collins has done well to reach her first grand slam semifinal and her personal story – first in her family to go to college, and a graduate of the collegiate tennis system – is compelling. However, in the semifinals she’ll face a woman who is not only a better player, but also has an even more moving biography. Kvitova’s game has been rock solid as illustrated by her demolition of Ash Barty in the quarterfinals. Kvitova will have more than enough weapons to dispatch Collins, who benefitted from an uneven performance by her quarterfinal opponent, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Ryan:
I love Collins’ game and am truly not surprised that she has made it here. Had proved herself each match with some huge wins. That being said, Kvitova has looked just as impressive, some of her best tennis in recent years. Experience will win out, and fans get to enjoy the great story of Kvitova’s comeback.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Yesh:
Kvitova and Collins played a heck of a match earlier this month. Kvitova came out on top and looks in great form here, but Collins is playing with unreal confidence. She closes well at net and can hit huge from the baseline. She got a little lucky to get through her last match, but I think the American will take full advantage of the opportunity she’s been given.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Brett:
Danielle Collins’ run to the semifinals is the story of the tournament so far, but I think it’s coming to an end one match short of a Grand Slam final. The American has played the best tennis of her career so far in Melbourne, but I feel like Kvitova will be a tough ask, especially with her current form. I think Kvitova wins this one comfortably to advance to her first Australian Open final.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Isaac:
Daniel Collins has been a breath of fresh ear this fortnight, and her deep run to the semis has been a tremendous advert for the US College tennis system, which, arguably is still being under-utilized by aspiring players. Her tenacity and carefree domineer on and off court has been extraordinary. However, Petra Kvitova will prove to be a step too far for Collins. Their meeting in Brisbane earlier this month was an early contender for match of the year, but the Czech prevailed after more than 3 hours of battle. If their semi-final does go the distance, I can only see Kvitova coming out on top.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Naomi Osaka vs Karolina Pliskova
Jack:
Osaka has shown new depths to her game at this year’s Australian Open – from problem solving abilities against Su-wei Hsieh, to gritty power under pressure against Anastasija Sevastova – but will have to produce something special to overcome Kvitova who can almost always serve herself out of trouble. Osaka has not lost a match from a set up in over a year, so it will be crucial for her to have a strong start. The Czech’s greatest weapon was ripped out of her hands at times by Serena Williams’ In their uneven quarterfinal. If Osaka can do something similar, the match is hers.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Ryan:
An intriguing matchup of power on power. Both players have made deep runs in hard court Majors and this could go either way. At the end, Osaka will play more consistently throughout the match and wins a nail-biter on her way to consecutive Slam finals.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Yesh:
Pliskova just played the match of her life to pick up the biggest win of her career. It’s really hard to come back from that, both physically and emotionally, and do well in the next match. Add in the fact that Pliskova only gets one night’s rest to cool down from that match? It’s a recipe for disaster, especially considering that Osaka has some clear matchup advantages.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Brett:
I don’t even think Pliskova knows how she pulled off that comeback to defeat Serena in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately for her, she doesn’t have much time to celebrate the win with the quick turnaround against Osaka. It’s tough to pick against Osaka right now, but Pliskova has to be full of confidence and has to feel like she has new life after the comeback win. Pliskova will push Osaka, but I think Osaka advances to the final.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Isaac:
This match could be incredible. Both love to have it out from the baseline, so this one could be very lengthy with some marathon-like rallies. I think Osaka will edge it, and go all the way to claim back-to-back hard court Slam titles.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Main Photo:
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