It promises to be an entertaining semifinal in the bottom half of the women’s draw with Aryna Sabalenka set to take on Amanda Anisimova in what looks set to be a big-hitting contest. Both women have had to come through some difficult moments en route to the last four, but both will no doubt now have their eyes fixed firmly on Saturday’s final. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our prediction for the match, but who will come out on top?
Jim: Aryna Sabalenka looked down and out at points against Laura Siegemund, playing some thoroughly average tennis. But that was likely more down to the opponent than because she had suddenly forgotten how to hit a forehand. And the encouraging for the Belarusian as that she worked her way through it. With more hot weather on the way, the courts should continue to quicken and that will likely suit Sabalenka, even if Amanda Anisimova can’t be taken lightly.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Ilemona: Sabalenka showed some cracks dropping a set to Siegemund but proved she can claw back under pressure. Meanwhile, Anisimova keeps cruising on grass with 11 wins in her last 13 matches. They’ve never met on this surface, and Anisimova’s 5-3 head-to-head edge, plus Sabalenka’s clay win at Roland Garros feeling worlds away—suggests this could be her moment. If those fearless strikes ignite early, Centre Court might witness her first Slam final charge.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Jordan: This could not be a bigger contrast to Sabalenka’s last match. Laura Siegemund almost caused an upset by regularly slicing and hitting drop shots. Anisimova’s power game will need to be perfect to overcome Sabalenka. But I feel the American can rise to the occasion and cause a shock. She has troubled Sabalenka trouble before, and the world No. 1’s movement can be vulnerable against big hitting on grass.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Andreas: It’s hard to tell if Sabalenka will like this matchup more than her previous one. She struggled in adapting to Siegemund’s slice and slower groundstrokes. But while Anisimova’s power and flat groundstrokes might play Sabalenka’s strengths, the American has beaten her five times and is playing some of her best tennis. The match could very well be decided early on; if Sabalenka can control her power and mentality early, she’ll outplay Anisimova and put pressure on the American. However, there’s a great chance that the American’s confidence could throw off Sabalenka, and there may be a big upset on the cards.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Manan: Sabalenka had her first serious challenge in the quarterfinals against Siegemund. Her game was error filled and her temper was high. However in a clutch third set she maintained her composure and came through a mentally draining match. Anisimova had more of a straightforward victory but has been pushed in the tournament. Anisimova use her slice to great effect and it should serve her well against the power of Sabalenka. But the way Sabalenka got out of jail on a day when her tennis wasn’t up to the mark makes me think she’ll have the edge here.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Nurein: This was the semifinal that many had predicted and it should be a classic. Sabalenka survived a real scare against Siegemund, taking nearly three hours to turn the match around and escape with victory. While Sabalenka’s track record at this stage of Grand Slams is near impeccable, we might have seen a few cracks in her game. And a player of Anisimova’s gifts will exploit them. The American is enjoying a fine season and pushed Sabalenka during their last meeting at the French Open. At Wimbledon, she’ll finally get over the line.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
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