The second of the women’s semifinal matches at the 2023 Australian Open is set. We are looking forward to an interesting clash between a rising star and a developing giant-killer this tournament. As always, our writers will share their thoughts on the match with you. We also predict the other semifinal match, between Victoria Azarenka and Elena Ryabkina. Who do you think will win? Predicting this match are Jim Smith, Nurein Ahmed, Steen Kirby, Shane Black, and Yesh Ginsburg.
Australian Open Women’s Semifinal Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Magda Linette
Jim:
It has been some tournament for Linette. Good enough that, although she is certainly the under dog here, it’s not unthinkable that she could walk away the winner. For one thing, Sabalenka does have form for losing exactly this sort of match. Remember the 2021 US Open, anyone? That said, the Belarusian has looked a different player so far this Australian Open.
The work she has done on her serve, particularly her previously erratic second delivery, looks to be paying dividends. She also looks to have much conviction generally and it will surely have helped her confidence to score just her second winning in seven meetings with Vekic. Linette has scored enough upsets that she will be full of belief herself and she has proven a very tricky player to put away. But with Sabalenka striking the ball this cleanly, it really is hard to see Linette’s dream run continuing.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Nurein:
Tennis is such a rewarding sport. Magda Linette’s terrific run to her first Grand Slam semifinal reinforces this point. The Pole finished runner-up at three separate tournaments in the second half of last season, including a gut-wrenching defeat in Chennai. But Linette’s hard work could pay off in the grandest way possible. She takes on Aryna Sabalenka for a spot in the women’s final at the Australian Open. Who saw this coming?
For Aryna Sabalenka, this run was expected. The Belarusian was the second-favorite for the title and hasn’t put a foot wrong so far. Sabalenka is yet to drop a set in 2023 having won the Adelaide title two weeks ago in dominant fashion. The excellence of Sabalenka’s offense is such a devastating strength. The fifth seed has piled up over 100 winners in her last three matches alone. Linette’s ability to intelligently absorb power has worked a treat this fortnight. It’s one thing to do it in one match, but doing so over the course of two weeks takes a lot of mental toughness and tenacity. It’s an extraordinary achievement by the 30-year-old, but Sabalenka looks unstoppable.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Steen:
Sabalenka easily won both of their meetings and furthermore has yet to drop a set. It’s been a special tournament for Linette, who at 30 years old has reached her first ever Grand Slam semifinal, after failing to reach the second week of any Slam before. Sabalenka is playing for history as well–her first ever Slam final is in reach after being stopped three previous times at this stage. Linette has played some incredible tennis, but Sabalenka is on a different level and there’s a reason she’s been under so little pressure in four matches.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Shane:
Magda Linette has been the surprise of the women’s draw. Before this week, she had never reached a Slam second week, let alone a semifinal. Linette’s ability to absorb and redirect pace has been a significant key in her victories over Karolina Pliskova, Caroline Garcia, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and Anett Kontaveit. She will have to be on her A-game once again as she takes on No. 5 seed Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka is playing with loads of confidence. She is 9-0 in 2023 and has yet to drop a set. Her serving woes seem to be a thing of the past. She has yet to have a match in Melbourne with more double faults than aces. Sabalenka will play this match on her terms. She is in too good of form to fall victim to Linette’s defensive prowess and should be able to rack up enough winners to find herself in the Australian Open final.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Yesh:
It seems pretty unanimous among our panelists here, which is kind of scary in its own way. With the way Sabalenka is playing, though, it’s hard to see any other result. The Belorussian did look a little nervous as she tried to serve out her quarterfinal match, but the big game never deserted her and she stayed consistent enough to pull through with minimal real drama. Honestly, what can Linette do on court that can stop her? I really can’t think of anything.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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