The WTA was in quarterfinal action minus Naomi Osaka. The #1 seed withdrew, citing a hand injury. The extent and cause of the injury are unknown. Nor is it known if Osaka’s hand will improve in time for Roland Garros. Kiki Bertens moved into the semifinals on a walkover garnering a much needed day of rest.
The final four square off in the semifinals. So, who’s moving on to the finals looking for their shot at winning their first Italian Open?
WTA Italian Open Semifinal Predictions
Kiki Bertens vs Johanna Konta
Head to head: Bertens 2-2 Konta
Johanna Konta and Kiki Bertens square off in one semifinal. Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal was a gift for Bertens. Wednesday required Bertens to play six sets over four hours, an exhausting schedule to be sure. The Dutchwoman has already played eight matches this month alone. Bertens should arrive at the semifinal with her batteries recharged. The #6 seed has been in form and the added rest gives her every tool needed to bring in a win.
Johanna Konta enjoyed a thee-set win over Marketa Vondrousova on Friday. The Brit maintained a high first serve percentage and won 50% of her second serve points. Konta is reaching the pinnacle of her clay court game. A win in the semifinals would give Konta her first Premier 5 level final. I’m sure that’s in the back of her mind, though not so much as to drain Konta’s focus.
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The Konta serve has been solid. But it’s the Bertens serve which is the weapon. Given Bertens’ more aggressive serve along with a day of rest, it should give her the edge. Bertens has the chance to move up to World #2, and I see little to stop that from happening.
Prediction: Bertens in 3
Karolina Pliskova vs Maria Sakkari
Head to head: Pliskova 0-1 Sakkari
Karolina Pliskova undeniably has one of the best serves in the game. Yet, it’s that very weapon which can go off-kilter, leaving her vulnerable to quickly being broke. In her quarterfinal match, it was the consistent, well-placed serve which saw her past a reinvigorated Victoria Azarenka. The Czech should be liking her chances in Rome with that solid quarterfinal win (which also gave Pliskova a career 500 wins). If this serve holds up, so will Pliskova’s odds of winning.
Maria Sakkari went through qualies to earn a main draw spot. A qualifying line up that resembled a main draw third round was anything but easy to move through. Yet, Maria Sakkari did just that and now finds herself in the semifinal of a Premier 5 tournament. An interesting story, which the Greek certainly doesn’t want to end. Sakkari has such a variety of shots, yet she tends to default to her heavy forehand. Against Pliskova the Grecian superstar will need to mix in drop shots and slices, lest she give the Czech the rhythm to propel Pliskova’s win. Sakkari has certainly earned her spot in the semifinals though I doubt Pliskova’s talent and high level of play will allow her to go further.
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Prediction: Pliskova in 3
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