Semifinals day at the Silicon Valley Open looks set to provide two thrilling WTA matches as Donna Vekic takes on the big-hitting Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Saisai battles Maria Sakkari. But who will reach the final?
Washington Open Semifinal Predictions
Donna Vekic vs Aryna Sabalenka
Head-to-head: Vekic 3-0 Sabalenka
Vekic turned in another solid performance. Seems once she grabs the momentum, Vekic simply doesn’t yield. The Croat will run with and never look back. In the quarterfinal, it looked like Ahn would take the first set. Yet, a simple error off her racquet seemed to be her undoing. Vekic took full control of the match, bring in a 7-5, 6-0 win. Vekic should be considered a solid contender for this title.
In spite of nine double faults, Sabalenka found a way to win. After dropping the first set 3-6 to the #6 seed Suarez Navarro, Sabalenka staged her comeback and won the next two sets 6-2, 6-4. Her serve is such a powerful weapon, but often it misses its mark as demonstrated by Sabalenka’s 53% of first serves in play. It’s really the aggressive service return which puts Sabalenka in control of the point. Against Vekic she will need to be sharp on her return of serve to get the break opportunities. While Vekic throws in a few double faults, she defends her serve exceptionally well. Against Ahn, Vekic won 89% of her first serve and 75% of her second serve. No doubt, Sabalenka will have some spectacular shots. I’m just not sure that she can clean up those double faults and unforced errors enough to thwart Vekic.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
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Maria Sakkari vs Zheng Saisai
Head-to-head: Sakkari 1-1 Zheng
Maria Sakkari has such competitive spirit. Down 6-1, 5-2, the #7 seed staged an incredible comeback to knock out top-seed Elina Svitolina at the Silicon Valley Open. Feisty and determined, the Greek superstar was able to bring in a win in spite of dropping serve five times in her first eight service games. Sakkari looks resolute in making it to the final for the second year in a row.
Getting better as the match progressed, Zheng played with variety and crafty. Exceptional anticipation put her in perfect position for many shots. Where Zheng truly capitalized was at the net. Anisimova found it nearly impossible to pass the unseeded Zheng. The drive to fight for every point will challenge Sakkari for the spot in the final. In what should be another epic battle, Sakkari will have the edge. Fresher legs and a powerful serve should see her through to her second straight final in San Jose.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
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