Only one seed remains by the semifinal stage at the WTA 250 Hobart International, as American Iva Jovic will look to navigate past fellow young competitors on her path to a second WTA Tour title. LWOT previews both semifinal matches, which are on the schedule for Friday afternoon. Who will reach the finals?

WTA Hobart Semifinal Predictions
Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Antonia Ruzic

Head-to-head: 2-1 Ruzic

While Cocciaretto had to qualify for the Hobart main draw and grind out three-setters, World No. 71 Ruzic is on a tear. The Croat took out Olga Danilovic 6-3 6-3 in the quarterfinals, and is yet to drop a set this week. Meanwhile, Cocciaretto picked up an upset this week against No. 4 seed Ann Li in the second round.

Both players are steady at the baseline, and fans should expect lots of rallies in this encounter. Ruzic was a bit more clinical on converting break points in her recent matches, and finds herself on a quicker rise up the rankings after a strong 2025 season. Look for the Croat to reach her first WTA tour-level final in another milestone.
Prediction: Ruzic in 2

Iva Jovic vs Taylah Preston

Head-to-head: First meeting

Jovic battled through a late-night Hobart quarterfinal tussle against Magda Linette, and she came out on top in three sets. Preston, meanwhile, upset No. 1 seed Emma Raducanu 6-2 6-4 at the same stage, playing steadier tennis and firing 21 winners against an erratic top seed. Preston, representing her home country, will guarantee to rise at least 40 spots in the rankings. She awaits her third Grand Slam main draw appearance at the Australian Open next week.

However, Jovic has to be the favorite in this matchup, as the American just has too many weapons compared to the underdog. Jovic can fire winners from anywhere on the court, and while both players have strong return games and groundstrokes, Preston has never found herself in this late stage of a tournament against a more established opponent. Jovic’s serve can be a bit shaky at times, so the Aussie will have to be confident returning and take any opportunity she can get early on. Expecting a three-setter in this semifinal, with Jovic coming out on top.
Prediction: Jovic in 3

Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images