After an entertaining week of tennis at the WTA Sao Paolo Open, we’re at the business end of the tournament. The four remaining players in Brazil all have a chance to win their maiden main tour title in the maiden edition of this event. Who will advance to the championship match?
WTA Sao Paulo Semifinal Predictions
Francesca Jones vs Janice Tjen
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both players have won ten ITF titles between them, which illustrates the brilliant season they’ve both had. They have carried that form on into Sao Paulo. The Indonesian, Janice Tjen, has looked particularly solid, not dropping a set and delivering a commanding performance to dispatch third seed Alexandra Eala in the quarterfinal – maintaining the impressive run of form that saw her come through the qualifying to reach the second round at the US Open. It will be close, with Francesca Jones having also played some impressive tennis to reach the semifinals, but expect the Tjen train will roll into the final – even if she does drop her first set of the week.
Prediction: Tjen in 3
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Renata Zarazua vs Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is an interesting clash between two players who caused upsets in the quarterfinals. Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah dominated Panna Udvardy continuing an excellent week for the French teenager which has seen her bounce back from the disappointment of losing in the first round of qualifying at the US Open.
The fifth seed Renata Zarazua, meanwhile, silenced the home fans with a straight sets win over the top seed and pre-tournament favourite Beatriz Haddad Maia to score her first win over the Brazilian at the third time of asking. While another upset could be on the cards given Rakotomanga Rajaonah’s impressive form so far this week, Zarazua should hold firm and book her spot in the semifinals.
Prediction: Zarazua in 3
Main photo credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
