There is a huge opportunity for all four remaining players at the WTA Hong Kong Open. The top four seeds have all been knocked out. Which one of the four women left in the draw can grasp this chance to win the title? As always, we at LWOT provide our predictions and analysis for both semifinals. But which two players do you think will reach the final?
WTA Hong Kong Semifinal Predictions
Martina Trevisan vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-head: Trevisan 1-1 Siniakova
Katerina Siniakova had been struggling since her run to the title at the WTA Bad Homburg Open. She has found her form again at the WTA Hong Kong Open and was excellent in her quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Trevisan is showing the tennis that took her to the quarterfinal of the Guadalajara WTA 1000, where she squandered four match points to reach the semifinal.
Siniakova’s very successful doubles career could help her in this WTA Hong Kong battle. Trevisan is the more consistent of the two players from the baseline and also one of the best movers on the WTA Tour. Therefore, coming to the net to shorten points is likely to be an effective tactic. Siniakova is capable of doing that better than most players. The fast Hong Kong courts will also help the Czech to implement that tactic.
Trevisan’s season as a whole on the singles court has been better than Siniakova’s. However, in the conditions in Hong Kong the seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion has a slight edge in the conditions at the WTA Hong Kong Open.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
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Leylah Fernandez vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: Fernandez 1-1 Blinkova
These two met earlier this year on the grass courts at the WTA Bad Homburg Open. Blinkova won that match relatively comfortably in straight sets. The 25-year-old is also the higher ranked player and has looked very impressive so far at the WTA Hong Kong Open. Her playing style suits the fast conditions well, with the Russian’s forehand in particularly fine form.
Yet Fernandez still gets the advantage here. The quality of the 2021 US Open runner-up’s tennis has been sublime so far. She is striking the ball so cleanly, and has also incorporated a highly-skilled net game not often seen in the past. The Canadian beat Mirra Andreeva and then took out Linda Fruhvirtova in straight sets despite the 18-year-old playing a good match. Fernandez was just too good.
Expect Blinkova to play solidly and rise to this occasion well. But I doubt it will be enough. Fernandez seems locked in this week at the WTA Hong Kong Open. It seems unlikely she will falter now.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Main photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
