A new champion will be crowned at the WTA Guadalajara Open this weekend. Three of the four semifinalists will vie to reach a first Tour-level final. But who will book their spot in the semifinals in Mexico?

WTA Guadalajara Semifinal Predictions
Elsa Jacquemot vs Emiliana Arango

Head-to-head: first meeting

This has been a breakthrough week for Elsa Jacquemot, who has beaten some established names to reach the last four in Guadalajara. She beat two former Top 20 players, including the top seed, Elise Mertens. But her quarterfinal comeback against Tatjana Maria might be her most impressive given the circumstances.

Emiliano Arango’s good run of form in Mexico has continued at the WTA Guadalajara Open. She’s reached two finals this season, competing on Mexican soil, winning the Cancun 125K tournament and finishing runner-up in Merida. This is too close to call, but the eye test and their recent levels could suggest it is Jacquemot who will likely come out on top.

Prediction: Jacquemot in 3
Embed from Getty Images

Iva Jovic vs Nikola Bartunkova

Head-to-head: first meeting

One of Jovic or Bartunkova will advance to their first WTA final. The American pulled off a stunning comeback against Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva, rallying from 4-5 down in the third set while the Andorran was serving for the match, and then saving a match point in the tie-break. Jovic took almost three hours to clinch victory, which took her to her first Tour-level semifinal.

While the draw projections had defending champion Magdalena Frech reaching the last four, the Pole was dumped out by Czech world #228 Bartunkova in straight sets. Bartunkova is assured a top 150 debut after the tournament, and it is a commendable effort considering that she served a six-month doping suspension last year.

Jovic has been physically and mentally stepping up when needed, and she’s played quite a few high-pressure matches this season, which has accelerated her development into the top tier of women’s tennis. Bartunkova’s point construction has been immaculate all week (hasn’t dropped a set), but Jovic’s ability to generate her own pace could tip the match in her favor.

Prediction: Jovic in 3

Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images