Just four women remain in contention for the 2021 WTA Kremlin Cup in Moscow, Russia. Ekaterina Alexandrova will try to please the home crowd and reach the final, while Anett Kontaveit continues her rich vein of form. Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Moscow Semifinal Predictions
Maria Sakkari vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Sakkari 3-0
Maria Sakkari has improved so much this season. While this hasn’t been reflected in titles, the Greek reached two Grand Slam semifinals and has pretty much stopped losing to non-elite opposition. However, after a first-round exit at Indian Wells, one could have some doubts regarding her current disposition. Sakkari benefitted from a retirement in her opening match here and played great tennis against Simona Halep (at least until her 5-1 to 6-4 hiccup in the second set).
Ekaterina Alexandrova lost her all three clashes against Sakkari, but this might actually be a great chance to get back on the board. The Russian will have the support of the crowd and has the power game to hit through the slower indoor conditions. However, Sakkari has a lot more pop on her serve now and it becomes a major factor under the roof. If the Greek can blast her delivery like at Ostrava a couple of weeks ago, she’s still the favorite to take this.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Anett Kontaveit vs Marketa Vondrousova
Head-to-head: Vondrousova 2-0
Marketa Vondrousova leads the head-to-head 2-0, but can you really pick against Anett Kontaveit in recent form? The Estonian started her collaboration with Dmitry Tursunov with a first-round exit to Ons Jabeur at Cincinnati. But ever since, Kontaveit’s been blasting her opposition off the court, going 19-2 with the only losses coming to Iga Swiatek and, once again, Jabeur.
Both players are yet to lose a set in Moscow, despite very tough paths to the semifinals. The most impressive win came on Friday against Garbine Muguruza, as Kontaveit eliminated her in just 49 minutes. The Estonian’s much bigger game should help her find a way through Vondrousova’s defense. The past two months or so Kontaveit’s been absolutely peaking and there have been no signs it was about to stop yet.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
