The Credit One WTA Charleston Open is approaching semifinal Saturday with all four top seeds still alive in the draw. What started as a 56-woman draw is down to four, and with the matchups that are set, we are in for a terrific day of tennis. No. 1 seed Jessica Pegula looks to pick up her first win against No. 4 seed Belinda Bencic, and No. 2 seed Ons Jabeur squares off against No. 3 seed Daria Kasatkina. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction for both matches. But who will advance?
WTA Charleston Semifinal Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Belinda Bencic
Head-to-Head: Pegula 0-3 Bencic
No. 1 seed Jessica Pegula is looking for her first singles title on home soil since 2019. Pegula is becoming more comfortable on the clay and is coming off a 6-3 7-6 quarterfinal win over Paula Badosa. In the semifinals, Pegula takes on Belinda Bencic. Bencic holds the 3-0 head-to-head over the American and has yet to drop a set in their matchups, though this is their first meeting on the clay. This match will feature many terrific baseline rallies, with each player showing tolerance off both wings. In a match I expect to go three sets, I give the slight edge to Bencic, who has served better all week.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Ons Jabeur vs Daria Kasatkina
Head-to-head: Jabeur 4-2 Kasatkina
Ons Jabeur and Daria Kasatkina are familiar with each other’s games. This will be their seventh career meeting, though, Jabeur has dominated the head-to-head of late. The 28-year-old Tunisia native has beaten Kasatkina four times over the past two years and should feel confident heading into this matchup. Jabeur has looked dominant this week and has the better career record on clay. Kasatkina overcame a set deficit to take down Madison Keys in the quarterfinals. Her forehand has been firing all week. In this match, I believe Jabeur will be able to lengthen the rallies and force Kasatkina into unforced errors.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
