Thursday at Wimbledon means it’s women’s semifinal day. We saw tons of great action in the quarterfinals, including Serena’s comeback win over Alison Riske. We’re here at LWOT to predict both women’s semifinal matches for you. Who will advance to Saturday’s final? Here are our thoughts. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Brett Margolies, Harsh Bhoot, and Jim Smith.
Wimbledon Women’s Semifinal Predictions
Simona Halep vs Elina Svitolina
Jim:
Svitolina’s path through to the last four, her first semifinal at a Major, has been a strange one. She hasn’t entirely convinced but has found a way to keep winning. Halep, however, is playing some of the best grass-court tennis of her career. She is spreading the court superbly and, whisper it quietly, but the Romanian might just be the favourite for the title in SW19.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Brett:
This is a great opportunity for both of these players to get to the final. Svitolina was struggling, to say the least, heading into the tournament, but she’s turned it around at the right time. Halep, who typically plays her worst tennis on grass, finds herself in the semifinals for the second time in her career. This match is even, but I expect the more experienced player in Halep to get the win.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Harsh:
Svitolina leads 4-2 in the head-to-head against Halep ,but this is the first time she’s reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam. Halep is more experienced at the latter stages of Majors. Grass is neither player’s best surface but one feels the occasion coupled with how assured Halep has looked on grass makes her the slight favorite.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Yesh:
Svitolina looked very shaky at the end of her match against Karolina Muchova, and she was beaten by the young Czech’s power early on. Neither of those are good signs coming into a match against Simona Halep, one of the most powerful women left in the tournament. (Along with Serena, obviously.) Halep struggled a bit herself in her quarterfinal match, but that was far more a matchup issue than a form one. Expect Halep to advance here.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Serena Williams vs Barbora Strycova
Jim:
Williams has had to battle extremely hard at times to reach this stage, and she should be in for another tough contest against the resurgent Strycova, provided the Czech is not overawed by the occasion. But Williams’ power usually tells and whilst Strycova has the quality to keep the great American off balance, it is hard to see her landing a knockout blow.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Brett:
Serena looks to be on a mission right now. She got past a tough test defeating Alison Riske to advance to the semifinals. Strycova will be tricky as she plays an unorthodox game, but I’d expect Serena to figure out how to beat her at this stage of the tournament. Look for Serena to advance to the finals.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Harsh:
The GOAT has looked scrappy at times, surviving a scare against Juvan and an incredibly tight match against fellow countrywoman Riske. She now takes on Strycova, for whom Wimbledon is the best Slam ,result-wise. She had a commanding win over Konta but it’s increasingly difficult to see how she can challenge Serena’s superior firepower. Once Serena gains momentum it’s tough to put the brakes on her.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Yesh:
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has seemed vulnerable at times this tournament. She’s not quite playing her best, but it’s hard to imagine her losing this match. Strycova can be excellent on grass, but she has nothing to counter Williams’ vastly superior firepower.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Main Photo:
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