The semifinal stage in Lausanne presents a truly unique opportunity rarely seen at this stage on the WTA or ATP tours. All four women left in the draw have yet to win a title. That will change for one of them on Sunday. The second seed Elisabetta Cocciaretto is the highest ranked player left in a tournament that has seen several upsets. Which players do you think will take another step to their first WTA title?
WTA Lausanne Semifinal Predictions
Clara Burel vs Diane Parry
Head-to-head: Burel 1-0 Parry
It is a clash of two Frenchwomen. Burel has reached one WTA final in 2021 while Parry is seeking a maiden appearance. Parry has already beaten two French players including Alize Cornet in the last round, and her elegant one-handed backhand has been excellent this week on the clay where she has more time to wind up her groundstrokes. Burel will be feeling very confident after knocking out fifth seed Emma Navarro and third seed Ana Bogdan. (Bogdan did have to retire but Burel had won the first set) She is also yet to lose a set. It is a very hard one to call. Their only previous match was on clay last year, with Burel winning a very tight match 6-4 in the third. Parry was so good against Cornet and is using her backhand so well this week that my gut instinct is she will edge this one.
Prediction: Parry in 3
Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Anna Bondar
Head-to-head: Bondar 1-0 Cocciaretto
I have always found it quite extraordinary that 26-year-old Bondar has never reached a WTA final in singles. She has such a capable and aggressive game, especially on clay. The Hungarian has won all of her matches so far comfortably in straight sets, including against 16-year-old teenager Mira Andreeva. Bondar can also take encouragement from thrashing Cocciaretto 6-2 6-2 in their only previous encounter on the clay courts of Budapest last year. The Italian has had to fight more to reach the semifinals, but played very well in the big moments in the first two rounds especially. This should be Bondar’s time if she plays near the level she has been throughout the tournament. I am backing her to do it.
Prediction: Bondar in 3
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Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
