The semifinals at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai are set. #1 seed Kiki Bertens will face wild card Zheng Saisai, and Karolina Muchova will play Aryna Sabalenka for a spot in Sunday’s final. Find out who we think moves on to the final in Zhuhai.
WTA Elite Trophy Semifinal Predictions
Kiki Bertens vs Zheng Saisai
H2H- Bertens leads 1-0
Zheng Saisai is in a situation that tennis players don’t often face. Zheng lost to Petra Martic but still ended up winning the Orchid group. It will be interesting to see how she plays coming off the loss. Kiki Bertens has looked the best out of anyone so far in Zhuhai, and beating her will be a tough ask. Bertens didn’t play that well in Moscow last week, so I was unsure of how she would recover after the quick turnaround, but she’s passed every test so far. If Zheng can play the way she did over the summer I think she has a chance here, but this match is on Bertens’ racquet. Bertens has made it to four WTA finals this year, I think she makes it five here.
Prediction: Bertens in 2
Karolina Muchova vs Aryna Sabalenka
H2H- First Meeting
Karolina Muchova’s career year just keeps on getting better. The 26-year-old defeated Sofia Kenin, who I thought was the clear favorite to win this event. Muchova is certainly in-form at the moment, as she’s won ten out of her last 12 matches.
Aryna Sabalenka defeated her doubles partner Elise Mertens to advance into the semifinals. It’s hard to say who has an edge in this match. Both players seem motivated to finish their season off on a high note. Every match Muchova has played this week has gone the distance, and I don’t think this one will be any different. Even though Sabalenka is winning matches, she has looked vulnerable especially her second serve. She threw in ten double faults in her quarterfinal match Friday. The margins will be slim in this match, but I think Muchova gets through.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
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