The WTA Washington Citi Open semifinals are set, featuring a strong lineup with all four players having a good chance to win the title. #3 seed Elena Rybakina is the highest-ranked player remaining in the draw and will face Leylah Fernandez. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for both matches, but who will advance to the finals?
WTA Washington Semifinal Predictions
Emma Raducanu vs Anna Kalinskaya
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Emma Raducanu came back from 2-5 down in the second set to beat Maria Sakkari in the quarterfinals. She seemed to be struggling in the heat and did well to close out in straight sets. This is her first semifinal of the season, and she looks confident of reaching the final. Anna Kalinskaya would be a tough challenge, especially the way she has played this week, but Raducanu has navigated a tougher draw and will be ready for Kalinskaya’s level. I am backing the Brit to win this in three sets.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-Head: Rybakina 1-1 Fernandez
Elena Rybakina played a great match in the quarterfinals to defeat Magdalena Frech in straight sets. She took more risks and hit a lot of down-the-line shots on both wings and kept Frech guessing. This is her first semifinal in over two months, and she will be looking to advance to her first final of the season on hard courts.
Leylah Fernandez backed her brilliant win over Emma Navarro with another solid performance against the in-form Taylor Townsend. It was a rollercoaster match, and Fernandez did well to close it out in straight sets. It’s her first rour-level semifinal of the season, and she must be thrilled with her uptick in form. Fernandez saved a match point to defeat Rybakina in their last meeting and will have to play her absolute best to get a victory again. I expect a great battle, but going with Rybakina.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: Desert Sun