We are down to the final four players at the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek battles Anna Kalinskaya, while Jasmine Paolini looks to reach her first WTA 1000 final against Sorana Cirstea. As always, we at LWOT provide predictions and analysis for both matches. But which two players do you think will reach the final?
WTA Dubai Semifinal Predictions
Sorana Cirstea vs Jasmine Paolini
Head-to-head: Paolini 2-0 Cirstea
Cirstea’s quarterfinal triumph against Marketa Vondrousova was the most extraordinary comeback on the WTA Tour so far this year. She was 2-6 1-6 down, Vondrousova had six match points and the Czech served for the match three times. Yet, somehow Cirstea managed to prevail. By contrast, Paolini received a walkover after last year’s Australian Open runner-up Elena Ryabkina withdrew with an illness.
It will be interesting to see how Paolini approaches this tactically. She is a better mover than Cirstea, and it may be tempting to try and soak up the powerful hitting of the Romanian. However, Paolini’s offensive game has improved considerably in the last 12 months, with her forehand being a major weapon. Being aggressive now comes naturally to her.
Overall, I think Paolini will progress to her first 1000 level final at the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships. Cirstea has played terrific tennis at the event, but there is more pressure on the 33-year-old, who may wonder how many more chances like this will arrive. The more complete game of Paolini is a difficult matchup for Cirstea and I do not think the Italian is going to let this opportunity slip.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Anna Kalinskaya
Head-to-head: First meeting
Iga Swiatek is in amazing form. She has won 26 of her last 27 singles matches. The fast conditions in Dubai are not even her favourite to play in, yet last year’s finalist has won her three contests easily so far. However, Kalinskaya will still be a challenge for the world No. 1. The Russian had to come through qualifying to reach the main-draw but has thrived at the event. Her formidable hitting from the baseline has seen her topple Jelena Ostapenko and US champion Coco Gauff in the last two rounds.
Kalinskaya has the ability to take the ball early and that style has caused Swiatek some problems in the past. Yet, I still expect the Pole to reach yet the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships final. While Kalinskaya does strike the ball impressively from the baseline, I doubt it will be quite hard enough to knock Swiatek off her current rhythm. The world No. 1 is in the zone currently, and she is the hardest women’s player to stop in that mood.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
