The inaugural WTA Rouen Open will crown its first champion this weekend. But before that, there are a couple of semifinal matches to clear. One of them features home player Caroline Garcia, who will face 2018 French Open runner-up Sloane Stephens. Who do you think will reach the final?
WTA Rouen Semifinal Predictions
Anhelina Kalinina vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Linette 1-0 Kalinina
After a tough start to the new season, Kalinina has finally regained her mojo. It was in March that she really turned a corner. She reached the semifinal in Austin and the round of 16 in Miami. Clay is the Ukrainian’s most preferred surface, and she proved her mettle with a trio of straight sets wins in Rouen, including a rousing 6-4 7-5 victory over the highly talented teenager Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinal.
Magda Linette has fallen off significantly since losing semifinal points from the Australian Open. But since the start of the clay swing, she’s been having a great time, winning back-to-back matches in successive tournaments. Neither player has dropped a set this week, each playing with real authority from the baseline. But generally, Kalinina is the more accomplished player here, with better rally discipline and a higher ceiling.
Prediction: Kalinina in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Sloane Stephens
Head-to-head: Garcia 5-3 Stephens
The lone clay-court meeting between Garcia and Stephens took place at the 2018 Italian Open. The Frenchwoman came away with a straight-sets win. Back then, that defeat only spurred Stephens to go on a tear in Paris, where she reached her second Grand Slam final. In their second meeting on the road to Roland Garros, both players are now seasoned campaigners. Garcia will enjoy the comfort and support of playing at home. But clay and French cities tend to bring the best out of Stephens. Aside from reaching the second week of the French Open on nine occasions, the American was a winner at the WTA 125K in Saint-Malo 12 months ago. She’s also been the most efficient performer of any player this week. There is a strong chance she will not loosen up.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
