The road to Wimbledon began this week, with the Nottingham Open giving WTA stars their first chance to find their feet on grass. As the top seeds–including home favorite Emma Raducanu–fell by the wayside in the early rounds, it’s down to the final four to stake their claim in Sunday’s final. Here’s how they’re matching up.
WTA Nottingham Semifinal Predictions
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Tereza Martincova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Perhaps best known for her surprise women’s doubles run to the Australian Open final, Haddad Maia has quietly put together an impressive singles season too. The Brazilian recently reached two finals in WTA 125 events and made it to the semis at the Monterrey Open in March. Her big-hitting style is translating well to grass, as she proved in yesterday’s three-set win over top seed Maria Sakkari. That was her second three setter in three matches.
Meanwhile, Martincova has showed that last year’s quarter-final here in Nottingham was no fluke, as she progressed to the semis with a dominant win over #4 seed Zhang Shaui. The Czech has yet to lose a set this week – ending a barren run of form that saw her winless on the tour since Indian Wells. Her excellent movement and crafty use of angles could trouble her slower opponent, while spending less time on court is also an advantage. It’s a difficult one to pick, but Martincova has the slight edge here.
Prediction: Martincova in 3
Alison Riske v Viktorija Golubic
Head-to-head: 1-1
This is another match that is very close to call. Their head-to-head record, with both matches on clay and the last contest more than five years ago, doesn’t tell us much. Both players do have some recent grass court pedigree however. Switzerland’s Golubic made the Wimbledon quarterfinals last year before eventually falling to finalist Karolina Plískova.
On the other side of the court, Riske is a previous finalist here in Nottingham and was actually the last player to defeat Ashleigh Barty at Wimbledon, triumphing in three sets in the 2019 quarterfinals. However, more recent good news has been hard to come by. The American–a former top 20 player–has been blighted by injury recently but her confidence will be boosted by an impressive comeback win over Harriet Dart in the quarters. Playing on her preferred surface and with a high ceiling, Riske should have the nod in this match.
Prediction: Riske in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
