The semifinals are set at the Open de Rouen, and two exciting matches await the fans in France. No French player made it to the last four, but two of the top three seeds are still going strong. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for both the semifinal matches. But which players will advance to the finals?
WTA Rouen Semifinal Predictions
Olga Danilovic vs Suzan Lamens
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Olga Danilovic won her third straight three-setter match and reached her first tour-level semifinals this season. Danilovic has been in great form on clay, winning an ITF tournament last month and now two wins away from her third WTA title. However, playing three long matches must have taken something out of her. Her semifinal opponent, Suzan Lamens, will look to capitalise on any weakness from the Serb.
Lamens has been much more clinical so far and has won her last two matches quite comfortably. She will play her first semifinal on this surface, and although she is less experienced than Danilovic, she will have an advantage if the match lasts longer. Danilovic’s best chance is to finish this match in straight sets, and I am counting on it.
Prediction: Danilovic in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Head-to-Head: Svitolina 1-0 Ruse
Elena-Gabriela Ruse was on a slump before this week, having not won a single main draw match in nearly three months. But just like last season, she is back to playing her best tennis in Rouen and is on a five-set win streak. However, Ruse has not played a top 100 opponent this week, and Elina Svitolina would be a significant step up in level.
Svitolina is the top seed and the favourite to win the title this week. She made a sluggish start in her quarterfinal encounter against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, but once she regained the lead in the first set, she never looked back. Ruse is a solid player on clay when playing well, but I would be surprised if she upsets the Ukrainian here.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
