WTA Ningbo Semifinal Predictions Including Elena Rybakina vs Jasmine Paolini

Jasmine Paolini can seal her qualification at the WTA Finals with a win over Elena Rybakina in their semifinal in Ningbo. The other semifinal will be an all-Russian meeting between Ekaterina Alexandrova and Diana Shnaider. Who will reach the Ningbo Open final?

WTA Ningbo Semifinal Predictions

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Diana Shnaider

Head-to-head: Alexandrova 1-1 Shnaider

Alexandrova was confirmed as one of the alternates at the WTA Finals in Riyadh after a 6-3 6-3 win over McCartney Kessler. The big-hitting Russian is through to the Ningbo semifinals on debut. Alexandrova hasn’t dropped a set in the tournament, having also registered a straight-sets victory with the identical scoreline in her opening match against Yuan Yue. It’s now seven wins from 10 matches for Alexandrova this swing and will seek a second final appearance in as many months. Her recent meeting against Diana Shnaider decided the Monterrey final, and it was the energetic Shnaider who prevailed in three sets. However, on the evidence of how the two performed this week, Alexandrova has carved through the draw playing near impeccable tennis and should be considered the slight favorite.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3

Elena Rybakina vs Jasmine Paolini

Head-to-head: Paolini 3-2 Rybakina

This is a mouthwatering semifinal showdown in Ningbo that could determine one more qualifier at the WTA Finals. Paolini won the longest match of her season in the quarterfinal against Belinda Bencic. The Italian was a set and a break down twice in the match, but clutched it out in three sets after three hours of play. Rybakina’s progress was a lot smoother, as the Kazakh made short work of Australian qualifier Ajla Tomljanovic in straight sets.

For Paolini, the qualification picture is clear. A win over Rybakina will secure her spot among the top eight in the race. But that is easier said than done with the supreme serving performances Rybakina has conjured up this week. For the drama and excitement, tennis fans will hope the race remains open for at least one more week, and a Rybakina victory means all the final three contenders will settle it in Tokyo.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2