The semifinals of the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, are set and feature three of the top four seeds, including top seed Elina Svitolina, who will take on #3 seed Iva Jovic in a blockbuster match. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for both the matches, but which players will advance to the finals?
WTA Auckland Semifinal Predictions
Alexandra Eala vs Xinyu Wang
Head-to-Head: first meeting
20-year-old Alexandra Eala has been in strong form this week, dropping just seven games across her last two matches. She defeated Magda Linette comfortably in the quarterfinals, avenging previous losses. She has displayed so much variety, from volleys to dropshots and changes of direction, and her backhand has been excellent. If she can maintain the same level, she has a great chance of making the final.
Xinyu Wang advanced to the quarterfinals as Francesca Jones retired due to injury in their quarterfinal match. Wang is seeking her second WTA final on hard courts. She has played well this week, but Eala will be her biggest test so far, and I think she will come just short.
Prediction: Eala in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Iva Jovic
Head-to-Head: first meeting
The top seed and 2024 Auckland runner-up, Elina Svitolina, showed great resilience in her quarterfinal, rallying from 5-3 down in the third set to beat Sonay Kartal. It was a great match from both players, and Svitolina’s experience helped her get the win. The young American Iva Jovic has impressed on her way to the semifinals and will be a tough matchup for Svitolina.
However, Svitolina’s experience should help her handle pressure and exploit Jovic’s occasional high-risk errors. Jovic’s composure will be tested, and how she fares will decide if she can upset the veteran player. I am going with Svitolina to make the final for the second time.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
