The Kinoshita Group Japan Open held in Osaka, Japan has reached the semifinal stages and only four players remain. Diane Parry is the only seeded player still in the draw, while Aoi Ito is still carrying the Japanese hopes. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for both the semifinal matches. But who will advance to the final at WTA Osaka?
WTA Osaka Semifinal Predictions
Kimberly Birrell vs Aoi Ito
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Kimberly Birrell will play another Japanese player after defeating one in the quarterfinals. Both Birrell and Ito will make their semifinal debut at the tour level and have a chance to make their first final. Birrell has shown this week that if she’s healthy she is a top 100 player and this run has helped her get closer to it. Aoi Ito is the last hope for the local fans as she bids to become the second Japanese player to win the Japan Women’s Open. Ito didn’t play the cleanest match in the quarterfinals but she held her nerve after a close first set. She looks to be having a lot of fun on the court which has brought the best out of her game. Birrell will find it hard to overpower the Japanese.
Prediction: Ito in 3
Diane Parry vs Suzan Lamens
Head-to-Head: Parry 1-0 Lamens
Having failed to win a single match at this event last year, Diane Parry is now two wins away from the title. Parry had another up-and-down match in the quarterfinals but she should be pleased with her fight in the third set. The Frenchwoman is the most experienced player remaining in the draw and is one win away from achieving a new career-high ranking.
Suzan Lamens’ great week continues. She is in her first tour-level semifinals. No matter the result against Parry, Lamens will reach a new career-high ranking on Monday. She has been solid behind her serve all week but will need everything in her game to click to beat Parry. It was a close match when these two met in 2022 and I expect a similar battle again with the same outcome.
Prediction: Parry in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai – USA TODAY Sports
