The second women’s semifinal at Wimbledon is set, and we are in for a spectacular match. Aryna Sabalenka might be the most consistent player in the world right now, winning the Australian Open and reaching the French Open semifinals this year. Jabeur has had some ups and downs this season, but she’s the defending runner-up here and looks in tremendous form. So who will win? Our writers share their thoughts. Predicting this match are Jack Edward, Shane Black, Jordan Reynolds, Nurein Ahmed, and Manuel Traquete. We also have predictions for the other Wimbledon women’s semifinal match, between Elina Svitolina and Marketa Vondrousova.
Wimbledon Women’s Semifinal Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Ons Jabeur
Jack:
At her best, Ons Jabeur is one of the few players that could cause Aryna Sabalenka some problems. You can’t outhit Sabalenka, so Jabeur’s variety could be enough to disrupt the Belarusian. Still, I could see it working for a set before Sabalenka eventually finds her rhythm. There have been very few fast courts this year where the World #2 hasn’t felt comfortable. Her power is more reliable than ever and she showed it against fellow power player Madison Keys in the previous round. I think Jabeur will get under Sabalenka’s skin for the first set before this year’s Australian Open champion comes storming back.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Shane:
Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur will meet for the fifth time and second at the All England Club. Sablenka ousted Jabeur in straight sets in the 2021 Wimbledon quarterfinals. The 25-year-old Belarusian has become very comfortable on the grass, dropping just one set through five matches in London. She can control her power and puncture through her opponents. Jabeur’s path to the semifinal has been less straightforward, but her level of tennis has not wavered. Expect a lot of entertaining baseline exchanges, but when it matters most, I favor Sabalenka and her ability to win free points off her serve.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
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Jordan:
Sabalenka has looked excellent in her last three rounds, in particular in the quarterfinal against Madison Keys, making a powerful ball striker look decidedly average for most of the match. But Jabeur’s confidence will be sky high after her revenge win from a set down against Rybakina. The Tunisian was incredible in the final two sets, not just using her trademark variety but also regularly outhitting someone as powerful as last year’s champion. Sabalenka is similar in style and ability to Rybakina. It will be another big challenge for Jabeur. But I think she will do it. It feels like she’s riding a special spell of momentum with the crowd supporting her every match. And it will help her seize the moment.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Nurein:
Nurein Ahmed
Aryna Sabalenka has now reached four successive Grand Slam semifinals. It is a testament to the consistency and improvement she’s fostered in that timespan. And I don’t think any player stood a better chance of mounting a title challenge at the Championships than Sabalenka whose dead-eyed focus and relentless hitting lay waste to in-form Madison Keys in the quarterfinal.
Sabalanka has developed into a reliable big-stage player. If Ons Jabeur manages to spring an upset, it is doubtful to be as routine as the end of her match against Rybakina. The head-to-head spells trouble for the Tunisian and of all the surfaces, grass is where she stands the smallest chance of defeating Sabalenka. It’s in the Belorussian’s hands and I expect her to cruise to the final.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Manuel:
This is a huge match in every way imaginable. Jabeur got her revenge against Rybakina for last year’s final and will be hoping to finally get her maiden Slam title here. Meanwhile, Sabalenka is playing for the world #1 ranking here, with a win in this match enough to take her to the top. When they played here in the 2021 quarterfinals, Sabalenka won with relative ease; but things are very different now–Jabeur has improved considerably and Sabalenka will be under extreme pressure with what’s at stake.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
