There is an excellent opportunity for one of the four remaining WTA Hua Hin players. All the seeds were knocked out before the quarterfinal stage, meaning a shock winner is guaranteed. The 2020 French Open quarterfinalist Laura Siegemund is the most experienced woman left in the draw and will fancy her chances of securing her third singles title. Which two players do you think will reach the final?
WTA Hua Hin Semifinal Predictions
Rebecca Sramkova vs Tamara Zidansek
Head-to-head: Zidansek 3-0 Sramkova
Both players recovered from losing the first set in the last round. Sramkova beat Jana Fet 4-6 6-4 6-1, while Zidansek won a thrilling battle against Nadia Podoroska 4-6 7-6 7-6. Interestingly, Zidansek has won all three meetings against Sramkova from a set down, which could give her a slight mental advantage. However, Sramkova seems to have turned a corner in the last two weeks. She reached the final last week at the Jasmin Open and has backed that up in Hua Hin.
Zidansek’s unexpected run to the semifinals means she has nothing to lose in this clash. But Sramkova’s recent level is well-equipped to handle Zidansek’s aggressive style, and I expect her to make it to back-to-back finals.
Prediction: Sramkova in 2
Laura Siegemund vs Arianne Hartono
Head-to-head: First meeting
Siegemund was the only player to win her quarterfinal match in straight sets. The German’s comfortable triumph against Rebeka Masarova contrasted wildly with her four and nine-minute battle with Wang Xiyu in the round of 16. Hartono came back impressively from a set down against Moyuka Uchijima, but I think she will find Siegemund too great a challenge. The Dutchwoman thrives most when her opponents give her a consistent pace during the rallies. Siegemund is one of the best at mixing up the paces with slices and drop shots, throwing her opponents out of rhythm. Those skills should take her to the final in Hua Hin.
Prediction: Siegemund in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
