The first red clay tournament of the season in Lugano has produced shocks, high-octane tennis and entertainment by the barrel-full. It’s going to be a good clay season this season.
Iga Swiatek takes on the gritty Slovenian Polona Hercog in the final. It’s been a disappointing tournament for the hosts, as top Swiss players Belinda Bencic and Timea Bacsinszky didn’t show their full ability. 22-year-old Belgian-born French player Fiona Ferro is definitely one to follow this clay season. She didn’t drop a set until succumbing to Polona Hercog in the semifinals. She has good clay pedigree and will hope to make the main draw at Roland Garros, if she continues in this vein.
Iga Swiatek Could be the New Monica Seles
The 17 year old Pole looks a natural on clay. Many are predicting that the first of no doubt many titles, could be claimed in Lugano. Already it’s possible to see a new Monica Seles emerging in the powerful, scorching backhanded weapon owning 17 year old Pole Iga Swiatek. This devasting backhand weapon was in full force in the semifinals, dropping just one game against Kristyna Pliskova. Make no mistake about it, Iga Swiatek will be a force on clay this season. Also, as Wimbledon girl’s champion, she’ll be no slouch during the grass season either.
Polona Hercog Coming into Form
The other final spot goes to the evergreen Slovenian. This spurt in form is no real surprise, as the Slovenian looked in good shape in Miami, pushing Simona Halep to three sets. The way she stunned No.2 seed Carla Suárez-Navarro, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round, shows she means business in Switzerland.
Iga Swiatek vs Polona Hercog Prediction
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Hercog caused Halep no-end of troubles when her serve potency upped and she produced 6 aces. She has not been near that in Lugano, but they key is if she can serve with the same potent accuracy against Swiatek: a great match is in the offing. Swiatek looks ruthless and pounced all over the weaker serves of Kristyna Pliskova in the semis. Hercog will be conscious of this.
A tight match is the prospect. Hercog has two WTA titles in the bag already in her career. Swiatek is chasing her first. Experience and hunger makes for a mouth-watering prospect of a match.
Prediction: Hercog in 3
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Correction: This article mistakenly referred to Polona Hercog as Slovakian. She is Slovenian.
