Yesterday’s hard-fought matches at the WTA Montreal Open whittled down the remaining eight contenders to the final four. Each woman remaining has the potential to lift the trophy in Montreal. This week, we’ve seen some extraordinary battles with each woman in the semifinals truly earning their place. Who’ll make it to final and whose quest will end Saturday?
WTA Montreal Semifinal Predictions
Karolina Pliskova vs Aryna Sabalenka
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 2-1 Pliskova
Aryna Sabalenka’s good form continues. Her commanding win over compatriot Victoria Azarenka has set up her semifinal clash against Karolina Pliskova. The top seed is experiencing a phenomenal season and leads the tour with 38 match wins this season. Now, the Belarusian is two matches away from another trophy.
Karolina Pliskova has finally broke the threshold and reached her maiden semifinal in Canada. This is an opportunity of which she’ll want to take full advantage. The Czech had an unimpressive start to the Season but has recently made some strides. Pliskova reached the final of the Italian Open, only to suffer a double bagel loss to Poland’s Iga Swiatek. She did likewise in London, reaching the final of Wimbledon. While she lost in the final to world #1 Ash Barty, it was a competitive match in which Pliskova narrowly lost the decider.
This clash features power versus power – two big servers with powerful groundstrokes. The flat strokes will further the speed making this a match of position. The match will be decided by who holds their serve. Pliskova has a better first serve percentage; however, Sabalenka does better behind her second delivery. I give the edge to Sabalenka. The Belarusian is a better mover. Look for Sabalenka to use her forehand to the Pliskova backhand and end the point at the net.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
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Camila Giorgi vs Jessica Pegula
Head to head: Giorgi 1-3 Pegula
Camila Giorgi has been in outstanding form this week. Gone are the wild errors thanks simply to the Italian’s recent ability to rein in the overhitting. Her game really hasn’t changed. Giorgi plays an all-or-nothing power game. She has Game Plan A – and there’s no Plan B or Plan C. But when she’s hitting her marks, she’s proven to be an unstoppable force. How long before it goes off the rails? Jessica Pegula might be about to find out.
Pegula is a tactical player. She takes in the game information and makes the adjustments needed to secure the win. She’s demonstrated that ability in her matches against Danielle Collins and Ons Jabeur. Just when you think it’s all over and the American is on her way out of the tournament, she has managed to find a way to turn things around.
From absorbing power, opening the court, to hitting with the right shape, spin and depth, Pegula has proven herself in Montreal and rediscovered the excellent form she displayed in the early weeks of this season. If she can stand up to Giorgi’s power in this semifinal, expect to see her battling for the trophy in Sunday’s final.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
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