The quarterfinals at the WTA Adelaide International saw one of the biggest shocks of the season so far. Last year’s Australian Open runner-up Elena Rybakina had her six-match winning streak ended by Ekaterina Alexandrova. That means 2023 WTA Finals runner-up Jessica Pegula is the highest seed left of the four players. As always, we at LWOT predict the outcomes of both semifinals. But which two players do you think will reach the final?
WTA Adelaide Semifinal Predictions
Jelena Ostapenko vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Alexandrova 5-3 Ostapenko
This is a very interesting contest between two players who have competed against each other many times. Alexandrova edges the overall head-to-head, but two of those wins were by retirement. Their last match was at last year’s San Diego Open, where Ostapenko made a stunning comeback from 5-2 and a double break down in the third set. It is likely to be a tight battle at the WTA Adelaide International between two women who hit powerfully and aggressively from the baseline and are each in very good form.
The most important factor is probably going to be Ostapenko’s focus, which has often faltered in the past. Can she stay mentally strong during times that the big-serving Alexandrova is not giving her a chance to break? The early signs this season have been positive in that regard. This could go either way, and is a tough one to call. Despite Alexandrova’s huge scalp in the last round, Ostapenko’s ultra-aggressive baseline game gets a slight edge. She looks to be in a good mindset this week at the WTA Adelaide International.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Daria Kasatkina
Head-to-head: Pegula 2-0 Kasatkina
Pegula has not been at her vintage best this week. She has had to fight through from a set down in both previous matches, although Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova deserves credit for the performance she put up in the quarterfinal. Last year’s WTA Elite Trophy semifinalist Daria Kasatkina benefited from a walkover in the quarterfinal from Laura Siegemund, which would have been welcome after a very long match in the WTA Adelaide International second-round.
Kasatkina’s lack of firepower is a recurring issue for her against top players like Pegula. The hand-eye coordination, consistency and extra firepower of the American is one that should beat the gritty Kasatkina most of the time. Fatigue may be a slight concern after two three-set matches for Pegula, but she is very fit, and is likely to be ready. It would be wrong to completely rule out a great competitor like Kasatkina, but Pegula is certainly the strong favourite at the WTA Adelaide International.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
