One of the two women’s semifinal matches at the French Open is set, and we’re in for quite a show. Will Aryna Sabalenka continue her march to a second consecutive Major? Will the dream run of the finally-healthy Karolina Muchova continue? As always, our writers share their thoughts on the match. Predicting this match are Nurein Ahmed, Jack Edward, Damian Kust, Andreas Pelekis, and Jakub Bobro. Who do you think will win?
French Open Women’s Semifinal Prediction
Nurein:
After years of underperformance at Grand Slams and Roland Garros in particular, Aryna Sabalenka is now a consistent force playing with remarkable poise and intelligence. A couple of years ago, prolonging points seemed like the ideal tactic to combat Sabalenka’s power. That’s not the case this season. What can unsettle Sabalenka is versatility and variation, and I feel Muchova possesses those attributes to a degree. She’ll give Sabalenka her toughest match before the final, but I expect the Belorussian to withstand the barrage.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Damian:
Elina Svitolina had no shot against Sabalenka in the quarterfinals as the Belarusian has simply been destroying the more conventional counter-punchers this year. Muchova has a completely different skillset and one that can actually trouble the second seed. She takes the ball so early on the forehand side with great timing and should be able to force Sabalenka into some uncomfortable spots with the variety she can bring to the court. Is that enough to help her win here? It won’t shock me if it’s way closer than expected, but it’s just really hard to go against the Belarusian right now. She’s 35-5 in 2023 for a reason.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
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Jakub:
Sabalenka has been ripping through the draw and troubling her was beyond the capabilities of Elina Svitolina’s defensive counterpunching game but Muchova is an entirely different kettle of fish. The Czech is a talented shotmaker with plenty of variability, her slice and drop shots being amongst the best on the WTA. Sabalenka still has the raw power to blow her off the court but I actually see Muchova emulating Marketa Vondrousova and Barbora Krejcikova to become the third surprising Czech finalist at Roland Garros in the last five years.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Andreas:
Despite playing some of her best tennis, Sabalenka has had some doubts in her last two matches, playing tough clay courters Stephens and Svitolina. Responding to pressure and geo-political controversy, she’s brought her best tennis in those last two matches, going for her shots and seemingly playing on a grass court with her power. Muchova’s had a great run this tournament, starting off with a Top 10 win and never looking back. However, I feel that Sabalenka has too many weapons in this one, all while Muchova’s shots have far less pace compared to the Belarusian. Sabalenka should make another Grand Slam final here.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jack:
Karolina Muchova has had a great run so far, particularly in her dismissal of the former French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Aryna Sabalenka hits a different ball from anybody she’s played so far, however. The confidence and reliability in Sabalenka’s game brings a power disparity in this match that’s too vast to ignore, even in slower conditions. Though Muchova will dig in as much as she can, the result of the points should be dictated by the Belarusian.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
