Two unexpected semifinal matches await at the WTA 1000 in Madrid, but that doesn’t mean the matches won’t be of amazing quality. Hailey Baptiste pulled off an absolute stunner in the quarterfinals to take out World #1 Aryna Sabalenka and has already achieved the best result of her career. Anastasia Potapova is making history as a lucky loser. Will either of these women reach the final? As always, we share our thoughts on both matches.
WTA Madrid Semifinal Predictions
Anastasia Potapova vs Marta Kostyuk
This has been a career-best event for Potapova, who keeps on pulling off impressive upset after impressive upset. However, Marta Kostyuk stands in her way, and the Ukrainian should have all of the advantages here. Kostyuk has defeated multiple elite players in a row this tournament, and she has done it in blistering fashion. With the way she’s playing, it’s hard to imagine anyone beating her right now. And that includes an inspired Potapova.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Mirra Andreeva vs Hailey Baptiste
What a week this has been for Hailey Baptiste. The young American, pegged as a potential clay court star years ago, is finally achieving her potential. She’s playing well on all surfaces, but she somehow thrives on clay. Mirra Andreeva is also great on clay, and she is playing much more solid tennis overall right now. However, I have to think the American should be able to win this. She plays with an exceptional mixture aggression and variety that very few people can handle on clay. It got the best of Sabalenka in the last round, and I expect it to get the better of Andreeva in this one, too.
Prediction: Baptiste in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
