Four of the top eight seeds have progressed to the semifinals of the WTA event in Monastir. That means there is likely to be much high-quality tennis played in the two semifinal matches. Former Australian Open semifinalist Elise Mertens is one of those left in the draw in Monastir. As always, we at LWOT have predictions and analysis for both semifinals. But which two players do you think will win to progress to the final?
WTA Monastir Semifinal Predictions
Jasmine Paolini vs Lesia Tsurenko
Head-to-head: first meeting
There is a contrast in styles to enjoy in this semifinal. Jasmine Paolini is one of the most consistent and gritty players on the WTA Tour, while Lesia Tsurenko typically likes to play as aggressively as possible. Paolini is in the best form of her career and began this tournament at a career-high ranking of #30.
Her results since Wimbledon include a quarterfinal at the Cincinnati Masters and a run to the final at her home tournament in Palermo. 34-year-old Tsurenko has not played as many tournaments as Paolini in 2023. However, her level has generally been very good when she does play, including fourth-round appearances at Wimbledon and the French Open.
It is very likely to be Tsurenko who decides the winner of this match. Paolini’s solid level very rarely drops. It is up to Tsurenko to try and hit through her opponent. Will she do it? The Ukrainian gets the very slightest of edges in this Monastir semifinal. The courts in Tunisia are moderately fast, which helps Tsurenko immensely in this matchup. In truth though, it is a difficult match to call and Tsurenko’s groundstrokes need to be near their very best to win.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 3
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Elise Mertens vs Clara Burel
Head-to-head: first meeting
Expect many long rallies in the second semifinal of the day in Monastir. Although Mertens has developed her offensive skills significantly over the years, her superb defensive skills remain the core of her game. Clara Burel is capable of playing a varied style of tennis, but her movement and mental toughness are her biggest strengths. Mertens is higher in the rankings than Burel, but the overall seasons of the two players have been quite similar. In fact, it is Burel who reached a WTA final earlier this season in Lausanne, in what has been a great year of progress for the Frenchwoman.
Burel is going to need to be the aggressor to give herself the best possible chance of winning. Although Burel is great athlete, Mertens will feel at ease trading long rallies from the baseline. It will also give her more time to hit shots that allow her to come to the net, where the three-time Grand Slam doubles champion is very capable.
Burel has to be brave and try and push the Belgian back in the court by hitting the ball cleanly. That is easier said than done, but it is the right strategy. Overall, Mertens more complete game is likely to help her a lot in this specific matchup. However, Burel is capable of winning in Monastir with an attacking style implemented well.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
