It should be an exciting semifinal day in Rouen. Top seed Marta Kostyuk’s match against the former Wimbledon semifinalist Tatjana Maria and Sorana Cirstea’s battle with Podrez will entertain the fans. Which women do you expect to reach the final at WTA Rouen?
WTA Rouen Semifinal Predictions
Sorana Cirstea vs Veronika Podrez
Head-to-head: First meeting
Podrez’s run in Rouen has been simply remarkable. She has never been inside the WTA’s Top 200, but that will all change when next week’s rankings are released. Since qualifying, the Ukrainian has defeated Momoko Kobori, Dominika Salkova, Sloane Stephens, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, and Katie Boulter, only dropping one set. The much more experienced Cirstea overcame Fiona Ferro, Wang Xinyu, and Anna Bondar.
As always, Cirstea will implement an all-out attack style. Podrez’s match against Boulter, who has a similar aggressive style with an emphasis on forehand effectiveness, should act as ideal preparation. Despite Cirstea’s impressive ongoing farewell season, I think Podrez’s farewell run will continue because of her impressive defensive skills.
Prediction: Podrez in 2
Marta Kostyuk vs Tatjana Maria
Head-to-head: Kostyuk 2-0 Maria
Maria’s place in the semifinal is also very unexpected. The veteran had lost eight of her previous nine matches before the event in Stuttgart began. She did not drop a set in wins over Elsa Jacquemot, Dominika Salkova, and Iryna Shymanovich. Kostyuk worked slightly harder in her successes against Diane Parry, Caty McNally, and Ann Li.
Although Maria can take confidence from her previous three matches, the specifics of the head-to-head against Kostyuk make brutal reading. In four sets, the 38-year-old only won three games. Maria’s form before Stuttgart shows that her level fluctuates, but there is a matchup issue against Kostyuk. The No. 1 seed struggles most when playing very powerful hitters. Maria’s slices and variety will likely not trouble her as much. I do not anticipate an upset here.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
