We are down to the semifinal stage at the WTA Abu Dhabi Open. Quarterfinal day included an epic battle between Elena Rybakina and Ons Jabeur, who contested the Wimbledon final in 2022. Rybakina’s reward for winning in a final set tiebreak is a match against Belinda Bencic. Ashlyn Krueger and Linda Noskova will meet in the other semifinal. We at LWOT predict both matches, but which players do you expect to reach the final?
WTA Abu Dhabi Semifinal Predictions
Ashlyn Krueger vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Plenty of firepower will be on display in this clash between two big hitters. Krueger had to work much harder to reach the semifinal, winning all her matches in straight sets. By contrast, Noskova has yet to drop a set, including a superb performance against Paula Badosa in the round of 16.
While these two have similarities, Noskova’s game is slightly more complete at its best, especially on the backhand. Krueger could win by serving well and effectively attacking the Czech’s second serve. However, Noskova’s level so far this week in Abu Dhabi and her higher ceiling when her game clicks mean she is predicted to reach the final.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Belinda Bencic
Head-to-head: Rybakina 1-1 Bencic
Although Rybakina’s fitness is impressive, recovering from her quarterfinal against Jabeur without a day’s rest might still prove challenging. Bencic won her last two matches in straight sets, including against 2023 Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova in the quarterfinal. The Swiss’s return to the WTA Tour from maternity leave has been outstanding, and she would present a difficult challenge for the former Wimbledon winner even if she were feeling near her best.
Rybakina, the defending champion in Abu Dhabi, could still triumph while fatigued because of her powerful serve and how much she likes the conditions at the tournament. Overall, though, I feel Bencic’s high level since the season started will be good enough to topple the No. 1 seed.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
