Thursday is women’s semifinal day at the Australian Open (well, and one men’s semifinal). Our writers here at LWOT are offering their thoughts on predictions on both of the women’s matches. Predicting the semifinal matches are Jim Smith, Ryan Schick, myself (Yesh Ginsburg),
Australian Open Women’s Semifinal Predictions
Sofia Kenin vs Ashleigh Barty
Jim:
Kenin plays with a maturity beyond her years, which was on full display in her 6-4 6-4 win over Ons Jabeur. But whilst the American clearly has a bright future in the game, she does still lack a standout weapon that would her to the very best in the world more trouble. That “x-factor” will surely develop over the coming years, but this match looks likely to come too soon. Expect Kenin to test Barty, but for the Australian’s wicked slice and court-craft to carry her through to the final.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Ryan:
Sofia Kenin has been very good here in Melbourne, losing just one set all tournament–in a tiebreak to Coco Gauff. The young American had never reached a Slam quarterfinal before this week, and now reached the semis with ease. Barty is the home favorite, #1 seed, and the reigning French Open champion. This match will be entertaining with their styles of play sure to yield many long rallies. Barty will have the edge with her experience and they way she broke down last years finalist Petra Kvitova in the quarterfinal. The Australian does hold a 4-1 edge head to head, although each match has been competitive. Barty has been in this situation before and will make her second grand slam final.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Yesh:
I don’t know what to do with this match. I’m not particularly enamored with either player’s game right now, and think that the winner will definitely be an underdog in the final. Barty has not been anywhere near her best, while Kenin is a very solid player who doesn’t have the powerful game or overwhelming counterpunching to beat the top players in the world. If the pressure doesn’t get to Kenin, she’ll win because she’s more consistent this tournament–but there’s a very good chance she lets the pressure get to her.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Simona Halep vs Garbine Muguruza
Jim:
Muguruza has surged back into the spotlight at this Australian Open, but the Spaniard will need to be at her very best up against Halep. The Wimbledon champion perhaps does not credit she deserves for her consistency, which remains elusive to many of her colleagues on the WTA Tour. And she has looked sharp so far in Melbourne, demolishing Anett Kontaveit in the last eight. Her court coverage and ability to take the ball on the rise should just give her the edge. Expect Halep to return to the Australian Open final for the second time in three years.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Ryan:
Garbine Muguruza seems to have finally rediscovered her game that made her a two-time Grand Slam winner. Halep has also won two Slams, in addition to making the final here in 2018. They have played just twice since 2015, splitting the two meetings with Muguruza winning on hard court. Muguruza has been excellent in the last few rounds, winning three matches against seeded players, two of whom were in the Top 10, in straight sets. Halep has been just as dominant, not dropping a set all tournament and only playing one tiebreak. Both players will be hungry for the chance to complete their third leg of the career Slam, but Halep has been too good recently and will win a battle.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Yesh:
This is a very tight match and tough one to pick. Halep is more consistent and likely the better player overall. Muguruza has the better game when she’s at her best. The Spaniard has pulled out her absolute best three times in her career, winning two Grand Slam titles and reaching another Wimbledon final in the process. Can she do it enough to get through Halep? She’ll need to keep up an elite level for three full sets, and I don’t quite think she can do it.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
