We’re down to the last four at this year’s Wimbledon, and each semifinalist is incredible in her own way. Only two can advance to the finals, and we’re here to predict who it will be. Today’s panelists are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Steen Kirby, and writers Vithun Illankovan, Finn Ranson, and Brett Margolies
Panelists Predictions Wimbledon Women’s Semifinals
Garbine Muguruza vs Magdalena Rybarikova
Vithun:
Muguruza is my pick for the title from the four semi-finalists and was very impressive against Svetlana Kuznetsova. Rybarikova doesn’t seem that hungry for victory and looks extremely content from reaching the semi-finals. This should be fairly straightforward for Muguruza.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Brett:
If this match is anything like the classic they played at the Australian Open in 2013, then tennis fans will be in luck. Back when Garbine Muguruza was outside the top 100 she defeated Rybarikova 14-12 in the third set. Rybarikova has won their only meeting on grass, but I think Muguruza is just playing too well for anything to get in her way for a spot to redeem herself after losing the 2015 Wimbledon final to Serena Williams.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Finn:
It feels like Rybarikova has been written off pretty much every round, and the Slovak has just kept on surprising. But I have little doubt that this is where her sensational grass court campaign finally comes to an end. Muguruza was back to her best on Monday; despite Kerber producing one of her better, more confident displays this year, the Spaniard was imperious, relentlessly on the front foot. That was no flash in the pan, either: she was ruthless against Kuznetsova on Tuesday, her previously misfiring serve proving a big weapon, and pulling off some outstanding counter punching on her backhand flank. Kuznetsova made Radwanska look lightweight; Muguruza made the Russian look ponderous. Rybarikova will bring the slices and drop shots that so perturbed Vandeweghe, but then Muguruza is a far better mover on grass than the American. The 14th seed’s fierce competitive hunger has returned these Championships, and that should be enough to carry her through what will be a close, tense encounter.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Steen:
It’s Muguruza’s time to shine, and she has a real shot at taking the Wimbledon title. Rybarikova has made a great run and is red hot on grass, but I’ll back Muguruza’s higher ceiling.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Yesh:
Muguruza looks unbeatable, but Rybarikova just hasn’t lost on grass this year. This should be an incredible match, and it’s really a toss-up, with Muguruza being favored by a hair.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Venus Williams vs Johanna Konta
Vithun:
Venus has really upped her game in her last 2 matches and is the only player to reach the 2nd week of the last 6 Grand Slams. The rowdy British crowd eventually got Halep to crack but Venus will more likely to overcome this since she is mentally stronger. Expect Williams to show Konta that she needs to improve her game and cannot rely on crowd support to become a Wimbledon champion.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Brett:
This is a tough one to call. If Venus Williams plays the way she’s been playing I like her chances to play in the finals on Saturday, regardless of the way Konta plays. They’ve met five times and all have been fairly good matches. I think the key for Venus is to serve well and see if the pressure will catch up to the home favorite Johanna Konta. It’ll be close but I like Venus to get through.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Finn:
As fantastic as Konta’s gritty display against Halep was, it exposed her deficiencies on grass. She looked far from comfortable when moving towards the net, frequently caught out mid court and forced into some audacious drive volleys. Against the Romanian, she was in the ascendency in most exchanges, but Williams’ flatter strokes will not give Konta the time to dictate play – in fact, if this also becomes a slug match from the baseline, as it most likely will, Williams could win comfortably. The American dispatched Ostapenko pretty straightforwardly, and without much in the way of a slice to change the pace I see Konta offering little different to the Latvian powerhouse. The crowd favourite has the edge in the head to head at 3-2, including a recent victory in the Miami semi-final. But whilst Konta is not a natural on the grass, five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams could not be more at home on it. Plus, rather than lagging as the Championships have progressed, the 37-year-old has simply looked stronger each round.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Steen:
I admire Konta’s battle to make it this far, and she’s had a wonderful run, but Venus’ experience and good form should be enough to put her in another Wimbledon final.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Yesh:
Konta has looked so good and calm all tournament, with no sign of letting nerves or expectations get to her. Venus has been out of this world, though, rolling back the years as she keeps on winning at Slams. She’s won Wimbledon five times, and there’s no Serena in her way this year.
Prediction: Williams in 2
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