We’ve reached the semifinals of the 2022 WTA San Jose Classic. Daria Kasatkina and Paula Badosa face off for a third-time this year already. Meanwhile, Shelby Rogers will try to produce another stunner and take out Veronika Kudermetova. Who do you think will make the final?
WTA San Jose Semifinal Predictions
Veronika Kudermetova vs Shelby Rogers
Head-to-head: Kudermetova 1-1 Rogers
It’s a yet another very strong tournament run for Veronika Kudermetova in 2022. The Russian was particularly impressive in her quarterfinal win over Ons Jabeur. Meanwhile, Shelby Rogers has been doing what she does best – pulling off upset after upset.
Kudermetova has already defeated her in Miami this year and is playing well enough to probably avoid another one here. She can absorb the American’s power (especially on the forehand side) in a way most other opponents can’t. It’s also not like she’ll let Rogers overwhelm her, she’s got the ability to respond and stand up to her big game.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
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Daria Kasatkina vs Paula Badosa
Head-to-head: Kasatkina 1-1 Badosa
Kasatkina might be having an extremely strong year, but her quality of play against Aryna Sabalenka actually wasn’t that high. The Russian’s serve remains very attackable and she was having plenty of issues with the second delivery (13 double faults). Badosa, meanwhile, barely survived her opener against the unheralded Elizabeth Mandlik, but looked like a completely different player in her win over Cori Gauff.
Kasatkina won their clay meeting in Rome this year, but Badosa very comfortably took her out in Sydney. The Spaniard has a lot more power from the ground and shouldn’t give her opponent much time to execute her game. Kasatkina’s serving should be the key again as the Russian cannot afford to be giving so many points away with double faults. Badosa will step into the court and put a lot of pressure on her second delivery, which could result in another match full of nervy games on Kasatkina’s serve. On hard courts, this matchup seems to favor Badosa.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
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