Amanda Anisimova will take on Ashleigh Barty on Friday for a spot in the French Open final. We are guaranteed a brand new Slam champion on the women’s side. In fact, we are guaranteed two brand new Slam finalists. Who will win the match between Anisimova and Barty? We’re here to predict it for you. (And don’t worry, we also predicted Marketa Vondrousova vs Johanna Konta.) Predicting this match are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Jim Smith, Harsh Bhoot, David Gertler, and Nurein Ahmed.
French Open Women’s Semifinal: Amanda Anisimova vs Ashleigh Barty
David:
Ashleigh Barty takes on Amanda Anisimova with the chance to make a Major final for the first time on the line. These two players have dropped one set combined this tournament, with Barty losing one set to Sofia Kenin in the round of 16. Anisimova, only 17 years old, easily beat defending champion Simona Halep in the quarterfinals, while Barty had a fairly comfortable win over Madison Keys. This match will come down to how both players handle the big moment, and how Anisimova handles the Barty backhand slice. Anisimova showed great patience and point construction in her win over Halep. I don’t think she will be too troubled by Barty’s backhand slice.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Nurein:
This will be clash of styles between two players who have played breathtaking tennis for the past week and a half, and they have merited their places in the last four. Barty’s form has taken many by surprise, but this has been a result of continuous improvement for the past two years, culminating in Top 10 ranking. She is not the most powerful tennis player out there, but her shot placement and slice returns are as deft as they come. Amanda Anisimova – unlike Barty – uses raw power from both wings, which was evident in her stunning win over Halep where she hit 25 winners. Much of this encounter will depend on how the unseeded Anisimova deals with the Barty slice, which has proven to be very difficult shot to counter-punch up to this point–and I think the Australian will excel with that tactic.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Jim:
It has been a stunning run for Anisimova and she now has a real chance to make French Open history by becoming the youngest champion in Paris since Monica Seles. But standing between her and the final is eighth seed Barty, now the highest ranked player left in the draw and in the midst of a superb season of her own. So far the American has been able to hit through her opponents with relative ease. But the craft and guile of Barty will present a very different test. One she may well struggle to pass.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Harsh:
Both into their maiden Grand Slam semifnal, this matchup is all about how Anisimova handles Barty’s ferocious slice and courtcraft. The American’s serve looks strong, going for gutsy second serves, and she’s feeling good on the court. On the other hand, Barty comes into this match with supreme confidence and will be hoping that Anisimova’s nerves get the better of her. Otherwise, the American will be tough to stop.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Yesh:
I’ve been saying for a while now that Anisimova looks like she has the best chance of anyone to win the French Open. She proved that absolutely right by blasting defending champion Simona Halep off the court in the quarterfinals. Barty provides a different type of challenge as her crafty game can frustrate opponents. The American teenager clearly isn’t in the mood to get frustrated, though. She’s playing clean and aggressive tennis, and should be able to adjust to the Australian’s game.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
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