The Hong Kong Open had the strongest line-up of the three WTA 250 events this week and that hasn’t changed by the semifinal stage. This should be a treat, especially as top-seeded Diana Shnaider will have to turn around her head-to-head record against Leylah Fernandez. In the bottom half of the draw, Katie Boulter faces Yue Yuan. Who do you think will make the final?
WTA Hong Kong Semifinal Predictions
Yue Yuan vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: Boulter 1-0
Katie Boulter was able to take down Yue Yuan in two sets at the Australian Open, but it’s not like it wasn’t competitive. The Chinese was playing amazing tennis in that patch from late 2023 to early 2024 and while she lost her way a bit since, she’s on it again this week and is of course very familiar with the conditions in Asia. When her forehand is on, it’s tough to stop someone with her shotmaking potential. But Boulter won’t let herself get overwhelmed like some of the previous opponents did. It’s not a guarantee, but the Brit has been hitting very well herself the last two weeks and is coming off a semifinal run in Tokyo. She’s kept it up so far in Hong Kong.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Diana Shnaider vs Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-head: Fernandez 2-0
Diana Shnaider has already picked up a title each on all three surfaces this year and now she’s trying to finish in style as well. It’s been a fantastic season for her and she seems a bit ahead of Leylah Fernandez right now. But the Canadian has beaten her twice since August and has the counter-punching skills to extend the rallies and make things uncomfortable for the 20-year-old. Perhaps she has a solid shot to take down Shnaider again after looking unstoppable in the first three rounds. Between the two players, it’s also the top seed that should be a bit more fatigued at this point of the season.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
