It’s been quite the week at WTA 250 Prague, and we’re down to the final four with the possibility of an all-Czech final still very much on the cards. Such a scenario will be very much welcome in the capital city. However, for that to happen, there’s still some work to be done. It is, after all, a semifinal, and nothing is to be taken for granted. We at LWOT, as we have done all week, are here to offer our insights and predictions on how we think these semifinals play out. Do the home crowd get what they want? Let’s find out!
WTA Prague Semifinal Predictions
Tereza Valentova vs Daria Snigur
Head-to-head: Valentova 1-0
The 19-year-old Valentova is having quite the tournament in her home country, having now reached her third WTA Tour-level semifinal. Interestingly, it was this event last year where she made her first semifinal, losing to Marie Bouzkova, whom she defeated this time out, coming from a set down to make the semis. This time, her opponent will be Daria Snigur, who bossed her own quarterfinal match from start to finish. The Ukrainian’s unusual style is likely to test the young Czech, playing in front of a home crowd fully expecting her to make it to the final, which should trigger some nerves.
The pair met two years ago, and while this should be a completely different affair, Valentova will draw some inspiration from that as she’s an even better player than she was then. Snigur, as well, will come into this with a lot of confidence, but as pointed out, Valentova’s comeback win against Bouzkova should mean she’ll not be fazed by too much. Also, the support from the home crowd should be enough to help her navigate tricky situations, which this match will have plenty of. I’m backing the teenager to extend the head-to-head record.
Prediction: Valentova in 3
Lilli Tagger vs Barbora Krejcikova
Head-to-head: first meeting
Tagger has been having quite a week, as she is yet to drop a set even after being an underdog in her quarterfinal match against one of the home players as well. She showed great resolve and control to get past Sara Bejlek in straight sets to ensure we have two teenagers amongst the last four in Prague. Her reward is a meeting with another home player, Barbora Krejcikova, which takes the challenge up significantly. The Czech is not just the best player left in the draw but one of the best players in the world when she’s on song.
It’ll therefore be quite the achievement if Tagger can simply win this, while it’ll be something monumental if she can continue with her record of having not dropped a set. The way Krejcikova has been operating the last few weeks, it’s even unlikely that Tagger wins a set, such is the gulf in class. In truth, it feels like if Valentova can get through in the other semifinal, then we’re likely to get another all-Czech final in the space of a few weeks.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
