There are only two rounds left for the women to play at Wimbledon. Both semifinals will take place on Thursday, as they look to book a spot in Saturday’s final. Can anyone stop Serena Williams? We’re here to predict the matches for you. Predicting today are writers Brett Margolies and Lukas Weese, editors Yesh Ginsburg and Steen Kirby, along with guest picker (and college football department head) Tony Siracusa.
Wimbledon Women’s Semifinals Predictions
Jelena Ostapenko vs Angelique Kerber
Brett:
It’s good to see Kerber playing deep into tournaments like we used to see consistently. Even though Ostapenko has a Slam title, I think the more experienced player in Kerber should have the advantage to get to Saturday’s final. To make it even more interesting, this will be the first meeting between the two.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Tony:
This semifinal is not as easy to call as the other. Neither Angelique Kerber nor Jelena Ostapenko had an easy time with the quarterfinal matches despite the scores. Ostapenko is a bid of a wildcard. She had 33 winners in her quarterfinal match but also had 28 unforced errors. Kerber is a Grand Slam champion, used to the bright lights and big stage so I am picking Kerber in three sets.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Steen:
After a lights out quarterfinal performance Ostapenko looks to be in tremendous shape to reach the final. Kerber is no pushover but I believe in what the Latvian has done so far.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Lukas:
It’s the battle of two former Major champions in this Wimbledon semifinal. Jelena Ostapenko, the former French Open Champion, is trying to advance to her first Wimbledon final taking on two time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber. Kerber advanced to the semis in straight sets, where she converted 63% of her first serve points and 33% of her second serve points. She is also coming off a match where she only had 19 unforced errors. That matters against a young player like Ostapenko, who is known to tally up the errors and had 28 last match. Ostapenko has won 14 of her last 16 sets since her first round match at the French Open. This match should be entertaining but I like Kerber to make just enough more powerful shots to advance to the final.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Yesh:
This is a tough match to pick. Kerber is more experienced, more consistent, and more talented, but Ostapenko just smacks the cover off the ball. She blasted Dominika Cibulkova off the court. If she can keep at that level again, she’ll probably win. On the other hand, Kerber will almost certainly serve better than Cibulkova did.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Julia Goerges vs Serena Williams
Brett:
Serena was tested against Giorgi who didn’t hold back. She passed the test and now has a more favorable match against Goerges who’s into her first semifinal at Wimbledon. Serena is just on another level right now; I don’t think she’ll have any issues here.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Tony:
It is not exactly going out on a limb to pick Serena Williams to win any Grand Slam match, so fine, I am playing it safe. Williams has had her back up against a wall really only once at Wimbledon this year and it was in the quarterfinals. All she did was dominate the second and third sets in vintage Serena fashion. She is focused. She is fixing her mistakes quickly in-match and her baseline is as good as anyone could ask right now. I like her in straight sets over Julia Georges, whom she already beat at the French.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Steen:
Serena fought back against Giorgi. This won’t be easy, but again I’ll back the experienced legend to prevail and reach the final.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Lukas:
Serena is trying to advance to her first Grand Slam Final as a new mother. She is taking on Julia Goerges in the semifinals. Serena is coming off a three set survival contest over the Italian Giorgi. Serena had a first serve percentage of 71% and racked up seven aces. If Serena serves like this, no one is going to beat her. Goerges defeated Kiki Bertens in straight sets, using her powerful first serve to her advantage. This is the third meeting between these ladies with Serena capturing both matches. Both are playing extremely well coming into this match but I value Serena’s experience to will herself back to a Wimbledon final.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Yesh:
Giorgi came out and got to Serena early, which seems to be the way to beat her at this point in her career. It wasn’t enough, though, and Serena took the final two sets. I think that Goerges will be able to do the same. She’ll come out strong and take the first set off Serena, but she won’t be able to win the match.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
