We’re down to the last four in Wuhan. Top seed Ashleigh Barty, #5 seed Petra Kvitova, defending champion and #9 seed Aryna Sabalenka and an unseeded Alison Riske remain in the hunt for the title. Can Sabalenka defend her title when she squares off against the World #1? Can Alison Riske continue her controlled aggression to oust an in-form Kvitova? Here are our predictions for who’ll punch their ticket to the final.
Wuhan Open Semifinal Predictions
Ashleigh Barty vs Aryna Sabalenka
Head to head: Barty 2-2 Sabalenka
You’d think Ashleigh Barty would settle in after knowing her World #1 ranking was secure through Wuhan. Without that looming in the back of her mind, Barty should have been focused. Yet, momentary lapses gave Petra Martic the openings she sought. The Barty problem solving ability saw her through the match. But, in a semifinal clash with the defending titleholder, the Aussie will need to be sharp and focused. The all-court game which combines power and slice, deft dropshots and cleverly landed lobs can create problems against the big hitting Belarussian. But focus will be the key ingredient to get Barty to the finals.
Aryna Sabalenka has reached the semifinals in both the singles and doubles draws. There must be something about Wuhan which brings out the best in the Belarussian. Through the first three rounds, the #9 seed dropped a mere 11 games. It was an amazing performance by Sabalenka to eliminate both Kiki Bertens and Danielle Collins in straight sets. An invigorated Elena Rybakina was the only opponent to push Sabalenka to a decider. To that, Sabalenka answered with a 6-1 set. When Sabalenka finds this level and has her serve spot on, she’s truly a force to be reckoned with and perhaps more than Barty can withstand.
Ash Barty is perhaps the best problem solver and strategic thinker on the WTA Tour. I see her disrupting the Belarussian’s big game. If the top see can keep her focus throughout, she’ll move on to the finals. Yet, she’s been pushed mightily. While she’s found a way through each of her three matches, Sabalenka will pounce on any opening. I think we’ll see a repeat of last year and Sabalenka returns to the final.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Alison Riske vs Petra Kvitova
Head to head: Riske 1-1 Kvitova
Alison Riske is enjoying a career best season. The American finally has the belief and knows that she can compete on this level. Against Elina Svitolina, the unseeded American had 29 unforced errors to 25 winners. A clear indication that Riske was dictating play. Riske ended points on her terms, with confidence in her net game. The Riske response to any inroads Svitolina made was crushingly clear. From the start, Riske played solid, controlled aggressive tennis. If she can continue that strategy, her second title of 2019 is well within her reach.
On the other side of the net, Petra Kvitova will be looking for her third Wuhan title. The #5 seed hasn’t dropped a set yet. En route to the semis, the Czech eliminated Polona Hercog 7-6, 6-3 in her opener. She made quick work of the 10th seed Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-3. In the quarterfinals, Kvitova dashed the hopes of rising teen Dayana Yastremska with a 6-2, 6-4 win. It’s been a solid performance from the World #7 who’s winning more than 70% of the points behind her first serve. If Kvitova can continue to command with her serve and powerful forehand, she’s destined for the final.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
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