After successfully predicting the victor in all four quarterfinal matches at the ITF Dubai W100, we now have a close look at the semifinal line-up.
The 22nd staging of the first-ever women’s tournament in the Middle East has been one of the youth coming to the fore. However, now we have two semifinals that pit together an experienced opponent and a young upstart.
ITF Dubai W100 Semifinal Predictions
Greet Minnen vs Ana Bogdan
Head-to-Head Record: Bogdan 1-0 Minnen
These players sit right next to each in the world rankings (#122 v #121) so a close game may be expected.
To continue the similarities both players also dominated their quarterfinal matchups. Minnen defeated Barbara Haas and Bogdan got the better of Katarzyna Kawa, both players losing only four games in their respective triumphs. So there isn’t much to separate them from a ranking or form perspective.
The Romanian’s victory was her eighth in a row and it is clear that she is riding a big confidence wave right now. Minnen has been showing steady improvement all through 2019, having begun the year outside of the top 300.
With both players in such great form, it is hard to separate them. Bogdan has shown a higher level in her career so far and if she is coming close to that top 50 standard then she could have the edge in this semifinal. Take her to win in straight sets.
Prediction: Bogdan in 2
Kristina Mladenovic vs Daria Snigur
No previous meetings
This could be a cracking semifinal. Mladenovic had to work very hard, as predicted yesterday, to get the better of Sara Sorribes Tormo in three long sets. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old prodigy Snigur displayed all of her promise in a straight-sets win over Magdalena Frech.
Mladenovic is the #1 seed here and has clearly come here with her eyes firmly on the prize. The Frenchwoman was fully determined to get past Sorribes Tormo and showed grit and determination to come back from a set down. Her battling nature may be required here as well because Snigur looks like a top prospect.
The Ukrainian will be hoping either for wildcards or to qualify for the top tournaments this year. On the basis of this tournament, and her Wimbledon Junior triumph, she may be high up on tournament directors’ lists.
This match may go to three sets, but an upset could be on the cards. Snigur is really in the groove and the fearlessness of youth could really play to her advantage here. Mladenovic has the greater experience, but with that junior Grand Slam triumph under her belt clearly Snigur can handle a big occasion as well.
Prediction: Snigur in 3
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