The semifinals are set at the WTA Monterrey Open, featuring two intense matches. With the exit of defending champion Linda Noskova, a new champion is guaranteed, and all four players will fight hard to put themselves in the last two. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for both the matches. But who will advance to the final?
WTA Monterrey Semifinal Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Alycia Parks
Head-to-Head: Shnaider 2-1 Parks
Diana Shnaider reached the semifinals with a dramatic comeback win over #5 seed Elise Mertens in the quarterfinals. She saved five match points and rallied from 5-1 down in the third set to get the win. This could prove to be a turning point for Shnaider, who is in her first semifinal of the season.
Alycia Parks backed up her brilliant win against Emma Navarro with another solid performance against Rebecca Sramkova in the quarterfinals. She looks locked in and is in her first WTA 500 semifinal. Her forehand can be inconsistent, but has been a weapon on big points this week. Her serve will be key if she wants to pull off another upset against Shnaider. I am going with the seeded player, but this match can go either way.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-Head: Alexandrova 2-0 Bouzkova
The #2 seed, Ekaterina Alexandrova, ousted the defending champion, Linda Noskova, to make her sixth semifinal of the season. It was a very close match with a lot of high-quality rallies and shot-making. Alexandrova is having her best season in terms of win percentage and is expected to reach a new career-high in rankings when they are updated next. Marie Bouzkova easily defeated Antonia Ruzic in the quarterfinals and is into her second semifinal of the season. She has found her form over the last month and is now playing some solid tennis. However, overcoming an in-form Alexandrova will be difficult, especially considering she has never done so before. I can see this going three sets, but backing the Russian player to advance.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
