This Saturday at the WTA Finals will see the two semifinal matches being played, with a clash between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka very likely deciding who finishes the year #1. In the other semifinal, US Open champion Coca Gauff will take on the on-fire Jessica Pegula, who breezed past the group stages with complete ease.
WTA Finals Semifinal Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Aryna Sabalenka
Head-to-head: Swiatek 5-3 Sabalenka
The two best players in the world face off with the year end #1 ranking at stake; a win for Sabalenka will ensure that top position, while Swiatek needs to beat Sabalenka and then go on to win the tournament in order get that #1 ranking. Going by their level so far this tournament, Swiatek is the favorite going in; despite being ranked #2 she still feels like the player to beat in the WTA. With that said, last year the pair faced at the same stage of this tournament and Swiatek was an even bigger favorite, but Sabalenka came away with the win. It should be a very exciting match even if the high stakes will surely lead to some nerves on both sides.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Coco Gauff vs Jessica Pegula
Head-to-head: Pegula 2-1 Gauff
Pegula has been on fire so far in Cancun and she’s had the better of Gauff so far in this matchup on hardcourt. However, Gauff is an incredible talent who looks set to have a much better career than what Pegula has managed to accomplish, and she seems to be constantly improving. At this point, though, this is generally a very even matchup and at this tournament it has been Pegula who’s impressed more, playing some truly impressive tennis in the group stages. She might just be playing well enough to make the biggest final of her career (so far) here.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
