We are down to the WTA Jiangxi Open semifinals after what has been a great tournament in Jiujiang so far. Top seed Marie Bouzkova will battle Viktorija Golubic, while former French Open quarterfinalist Laura Siegemund is set to face Rebecca Sramkova in the other semifinal. We at LWOT predict both matches in this article, but which players do you think will reach the final?
WTA Jiangxi Semifinal Predictions
Laura Siegemund vs Rebecca Sramkova
Head-to-head: Sramkova 1-0 Siegemund
Siegemund did not drop a set in her previous victories in Jiujiang against Moyuka Uchijima, Tamara Korpatsch, and Mananchaya Sawangkaew. Sramlova defeated Shuai Zhang and Sijia Wei but needed three sets to triumph against Martina Trevisan in the quarterfinal.
This is a repeat of the Thailand Open in September, which Sramkova won 6-4 6-4. That came during an incredible run of 13 wins in 14 matches that the Slovakian went on during that month. Siegemund played pretty well in that final despite the score. The contrast in styles between Sramkova’s power and Siegemund’s craft created an enjoyable match, and their semifinal in China will likely be the same.
Despite Siegemund’s impressive performances so far, Sramkova showed in September that she is challenging to stop when she gets a roll. Her power in the pretty quick conditions might be enough to make another final.
Prediction: Sramkova in 3
Marie Bouzkova vs Viktorija Golubic
Head-to-head: Bouzkova 3-1 Golubic
Bouzkova was characteristically solid in wins against Alexandra Eala, Xinxin Yao, and Kamilla Rakhimova in the first three rounds. Golubic had to battle to a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 victory against Arantxa Rus after prevailing more comfortably in the previous two rounds.
The Czech has won both their meetings in the last 12 months at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and the Hobart International in straight sets. Golubic, now 32-years-old, struggled with her opponent’s superior athleticism in those meetings. The Swiss player prefers to construct points steadily rather than being too aggressive, but doing that is challenging against someone who moves better.
That means Golubic will need to be more aggressive than what feels comfortable for her. Overcoming those odds against the No. 1 is a difficult task.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
