Stan Wawrinka’s final season as a professional player continues on United Cup semifinal day. The three-time Grand Slam champion’s encounter with Zizou Bergs should be fascinating. Last year’s champion in Dubai, Belinda Bencic, will face Elise Mertens in the other singles match. We at LWOT predict the other semifinal battles, including Coco Gauff vs Iga Swiatek, separately.

United Cup Semifinal Predictions
Belinda Bencic vs Elise Mertens

Head-to-head: Mertens 1-0 Bencic

Bencic has been absolutely outstanding so far at the team event, winning six matches, equally split between singles and doubles with Jakub Paul. Mertens’ record of four wins and one loss in doubles is only slightly less impressive. Both women have somewhat similar styles of dictating with their two-handed backhands.

However, the Swiss player has slightly more firepower off that wing. Mertens is adept at digging in and changing the pace if necessary, giving Bencic a different challenge than her previous matches. In her current form, I expect Bencic to navigate that and put Team Switzerland 1-0 up.
Prediction: Bencic in 2

Stan Wawrnka vs Zizou Bergs

Head-to-head: Wawrinka 1-0 Bergs

Despite only winning one of three matches, Wawrinka’s level has impressed. While that offers hope here, the tennis legend will find it very challenging if Bergs plays as he did in his previous singles contest against Jakub Mensik. The Belgian handled his opponent’s aggression expertly and struck himself at the correct moments.

There is also a question about Wawrinka’s freshness at 40. His level in the quarterfinal against Sebastian Baez was okay, but also his worst of the tournament. The 2015 French Open champion’s spirit means him becoming inspired cannot be ruled out, but Bergs is the most likely winner.
Prediction: Bergs in 2

Belinda Bencic/Stan Wawrinka vs Elise Mertens/Zizou Bergs

Head-to-head: First meeting

It is uncertain whether Bencic will play with Wawrinka or Jakub Paul, with whom she partnered in the previous three ties. Wawrinka’s name has been listed ahead of the tie, but that could be changed. Regardless, I think the Swiss team will prevail if Mertens plays. The seven-time Grand Slam champion’s doubles record and calmness under presssure makes her the idealpartner for Bergs. It would likely be good enough even against the undefeated team of Bencic and Bergs.
Prediction: Mertens/Bergs in 2

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports