Each of the women’s semifinal matches at Wimbledon will have a heavy favorite. Simona Halep looks in absolutely dominant form, especially later in the tournament. Ons Jabeur, meanwhile, is slicing her way around all threats. Are they locks to face in the final? Or will we see an upset in a semifinal match? As always, our writers share their thoughts. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Jakub Bobro, Damian Kust, Andy Watson, and Yesh Ginsburg.<\/p>\n
Jack:<\/em> Where she\u2019s previously been able to tame many of her opponents huge strikes, Ons Jabeur is a completely different player. She has a variety of abilities to deal with low-sitting balls during ordinary circumstances or under immense pressure. These abilities and her insane level of confidence should see her past Maria\u2019s slices. A Grand Slam final debut awaits. Jakub:<\/em> Damian:<\/em> Andy:<\/em> Yesh:<\/em>
\nIt would be foolish to underestimate Tatjana Maria. She\u2019s been in a losing position in most of her matches so far, even saving match points against Jelena Ostapenko, yet she\u2019s somehow found a way to win all five.<\/p>\n
\nPrediction: Jabeur in 2<\/em><\/p>\n
\nA slice and dice variety extravaganza of a semifinal. Jabeur dropped the first set of her run in the quarterfinals against Marie Bouzkova but the way she came back in the next two sets makes me even more impressed with her. Maria has had one of the most extraordinary runs in Wimbledon history<\/a> but it feels like her \u201cbarbecue buddy\u201d will be the one to end it. Jabeur\u2019s form at this moment seems insurmountable.
\nPrediction: Jabeur in 2<\/em><\/p>\n
\nHand skills will definitely be displayed in this one. Tatiana Maria plays a slice-and-dice game that’s somehow taken her this far, mostly as her shots are really compatible with the low bounce of grass courts. She’s been able to dismantle players with incredible power so far, including Jelena Ostapenko and Jule Niemeier, simply by feeding them a very uncomfortable ball. On paper, it seems like Ons Jabeur should be the end of the road for the German, mostly as she’s much more versatile than Maria’s previous revivals. The veteran is not to be taken lightly though.
\nPrediction: Jabeur in 3<\/em><\/p>\n
\nIt is well documented that the two players are good friends off the court, this is likely to help both to settle in a bit easier. If Jabeur can play her game here then she should win. Maria has hung in during her last couple of matches and drawn enough errors to complete a victory but I can’t see that happening here. Jabeur is too good and too confident.
\nPrediction: Jabeur in 2<\/em><\/p>\n
\nI’ve thought Maria will lose in just about every match of hers this tournament. Each time, I’ve been very wrong. The 34-year-old just keeps grinding and keeping her opponents uncomfortable. Jabeur doesn’t really get uncomfortable on court, though, so I’d expect her to win. Will thinking Maria will lose burn me yet again? Probably.
\nPrediction: Jabeur in 3<\/em><\/p>\n