The semifinals are set for the inaugural edition of the WTA Memphis Classic tournament, and they include some surprising yet interesting names. None of the top four seeds has advanced to the last four, which means it could be anyone’s title from this point. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for both semifinal matches, but which two players will reach the final?
WTA Memphis Semifinal Predictions
Kristina Liutova vs Elvina Kalieva
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Sixteen-year-old Russian qualifier Kristina Liutova has produced one of the most remarkable debut weeks in recent WTA memory. Since upsetting top seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round, her tennis has improved with each match, and she was brilliant in the quarterfinals against Caty McNally. She was trailing 0-4 in the second set against McNally but completely shifted the momentum in her favour by winning the next six games to win the match.
Elvina Kalieva defeated #7 seed Peyton Stearns in a rain-interrupted quarterfinal match. Kalieva started strongly and punished Stearns’ poor serves, and then after a dip in the second set, she picked up once again after a long rain delay. Her forehand has been a weapon this week, and she will need it against Liutova. I expect a close match, but Liutova’s game seems more stable. Her rally tolerance and strong mentality should help her advance at WTA Memphis.
Prediction: Liutova in 3
Renata Zarazua vs Darja Vidmanova
Head-to-Head:
Renata Zarazua bagelled Anastasia Zakharova in the second set to reach the WTA Memphis semifinals. This is her third tour-level semifinal and easily her most dominant run to reach this stage. She has not lost more than four games in a set this week, and she will like her chances to reach her first career tour-level final if she can maintain her level. Darja Vidmanova has made a great run to the semifinals, but Zarazua is playing better tennis right now and is my pick to advance.
Prediction: Zarazua in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports