The WTA Adelaide International is rapidly approaching its decisive stages. Despite the shocking loss of World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty at the hands of Danielle Collins, the event semifinals will still feature a high-caliber lineup.
WTA Adelaide International Semifinal Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Jil Teichmann
Head to head: first meeting
Swiatek has bounced back nicely after a disappointing final two sets of her Australian Open loss to Simona Halep. The reigning Roland Garros champion has yet to drop a set in Adelaide, clearly outclassing the opposition thus far.
Meanwhile, Teichman has endured a raucous path to the semis. The Swiss lefty upended Kristina Mladenovic and Qiang Wang in her first two matches and needed seven match points to defeat Anastasija Sevastova 6-4 6-7 7-5 on Thursday.
Facing a fresh Swiatek isn’t the most optimal way to recover from a three-hour battle under the Australian heat. Teichman is playing solid tennis from behind the baseline but I can’t envision a way for her to dominate the rallies against Swiatek. Unless she has a subpar outing, expect the Pole to advance to her first final of the season.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Belinda Bencic vs Coco Gauff
Head to head: first meeting
Another duel between a Swiss and a marketable star in the making. Contray to the semifinal above, it’s the Swiss the one arriving well-rested to the penultimate round. Bencic has looked confident through two matches in Adelaide, dismissing Misaki Doi and Storm Sanders in straight sets.
For her part, Gauff has had to win five contests to get to the semis, including four three-setters. Her effort in the quarters versus Shelby Rogers must be applauded, as the in-form American led 6-2 3-1 at one point, only for Gauff to claw her way back into the match and eventually win in three sets.
The fact Gauff is capable of punching above her weight is well-known. Nevertheless, I think the fatigue will catch up to her against Bencic, whom I’d also favor in a more neutral contest because she can apply instant pressure as a returner and attack the 16-year-old’s forehand wing.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
