The WTA Stuttgart Semifinals are set. We give our predictions for the final four which features Naomi Osaka, Anett Kontaveit, Petra Kvitova and Kiki Bertens. Who will advance to the tournament final?
Naomi Osaka vs Anett Kontaveit
Osaka 3-0 H2H
Osaka dominates the h2h here (3-0) and despite dropping a set to Donna Vekic in the quarterfinals she’s the clear favorite against Estonia’s Kontaveit who successfully defended her 2018 semifinal at this tournament. The all courter has already won three matches including defeating Vika Azarenka via a third set retirement and 2018 semifinalist Caroline Garcia in straights. With Kontaveit 7-1 in her last 8 matches she should at least take a set, but I expect Osaka to prevail in a tight contest.
Prediction: Naomi Osaka in 3 sets
Petra Kvitova vs Kiki Bertens
H2H tied 2-2
Bertens has won their last two meetings but Petra Kvitova won the only clay court meeting (2018 Madrid) Both players have won WTA titles this year (Bertens in St. Petersburg and Kvitova in Sydney) and are in the running for their second trophy on the season. Kvitova had the early round bye and thus has only needed two matches and five sets to reach this stage, while Bertens edged Belinda Bencic and Angelique Kerber in consecutive matches. Kvitova beat Sevastova in three sets. This should be another very close match, but on clay Bertens is the better player and should continue her run of form, reaching the final. Prediction: Kiki Bertens in 3 sets
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