It’s Czechia vs Poland in the semifinals of the 2024 WTA Livesport Prague Open. Moved to clay this year as it’s held just before the Olympics, the event still features three seeds (including No. 1 Linda Noskova) and the sensational 16-year-old Laura Samson. Who do you think will make the final?
WTA Prague Semifinal Predictions
Magdalena Frech vs Laura Samson
Head-to-head: First meeting
16-year-old Laura Samson had already won three ITF events earlier this year and made the final at Roland Garros juniors. But what she’s doing this week is just another level. Not only did she become the first 2008-born player to win a match on the WTA Tour, she also defeated a Top 50 player (Katerina Siniakova) and made the semifinals. She’s not just yet another young Czech coming up the ranks, she’s at the top of the pack.
Will the occasion get to her at some point? It’s tough to say how far she can take this run. Magdalena Frech is just a solid player who will make Samson have to hit through her and punish the mistakes if they happen. It’s a decent matchup for the Czech as she’ll have plenty of freedom to dictate play, but going one more round from here seems like too much of a fairytale.
Prediction: Frech in 2
Linda Noskova vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Linette 1-0
Linda Noskova made the final at this event in 2023 (when it was played on hard courts) but produced a disappointing performance against Nao Hibino. The Czech already had a great peak level back then and her journey since has been more about becoming a steadier player. She’s on her way to accomplishing that and a good example of that progress is that she’s only lost one opening round in 2024 (and that was to Mirra Andreeva).
Magda Linette defeated Noskova in Rome last year, but things don’t have to be comfortable for her again. On many occasions this year it has kinda felt like she’s just going through the motions with her career stagnating. Making a second WTA final of the season would be a big step forward. But even on clay, Noskova has the stronger ceiling and this is more on her racket.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
