With the finals weekend just around the corner, LagateRaho.com takes a look at the exciting semi-finals to look forward to in both the men’s and women’s singles.
Men’s Semi Final 1
Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul
Time: 8:30 AM IST
Day and Date: Friday, 27th January
Head-to-head: 1st meeting
Preview:
The favorite 9-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic will be looking to make it a perfect 10 this weekend in Melbourne. But first, he faces off against the dangerous, big-serving American Tommy Paul in the semis. Despite concerns about a hip injury, Djokovic isn’t slowing down, and we might be in for another awe-inspiring display on Friday. Yet, we expect the American to offer a stiff challenge if he manages to serve as he has done in the previous rounds.
Prediction: Djokovic to win in 4 sets
Men’s Semi Final 2
Karen Khachanov vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Time: 8:30 AM IST
Day and Date: Friday, 27th January
Head-to-head: Khachanov (1) – Tsitsipas (5)
Preview:
Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Jiri Lehecka in straight sets earlier this week, 6-3 7-6 6-4, extending his perfect record in slam quarterfinal meetings to 6-0. His opponent, Karen Khachanov has defeated three challenging opponents in his last three matches, delivering two bagels (6-0) and dropping just one set against Frances Tiafoe, Yoshihito Nishioka, and Sebastian Korda.
We believe Khachanov’s best tennis is capable of challenging Tsitsipas, but the 5-1 head-to-head record might prove to be a difficult mental hurdle for the Russian to overcome.
Prediction: Tsitsipas to win in 4 sets
Women’s Semi Final 1
Elena Rybakina vs Victoria Azarenka
Time: 2:00 PM IST
Day and Date: Thursday, 27th January
Head-to-head: Rybakina (1) – Azarenka (0)
Preview:
This promises to be a thrilling match especially as both women have tasted grand slam success. Rybakina will start this match as the deserved favourite, given her current form as well as her fitness levels. The Kazakh has a stronger serve and more explosive force. Although Azarenka possesses superior movement and returns, these advantages are not as great as Rybakina’s all-round advantages.
Prediction: Rybakina to win
Women’s Semi Final 2
Magda Linette vs Aryna Sabalenka
Time: 3:30 PM IST
Day and Date: Thursday, 27th January
Head-to-head: Linette (0) – Sabalenka (2)
Preview:
Definitely not the Pole we expected to see in the semi-finals, Magda Linette has outperformed many a seed this Australian Open including compatriot and world #1 Iga Swiatek, but this may be as far as her tournament goes. Her Belarusian opponent Aryna Sabalenka has put in considerable effort into improving her second serve delivery, a strategy that appears to be paying huge dividends. She also exudes a strong sense of conviction in general, which undoubtedly boosted her confidence as she won just twice in her previous seven encounters with Vekic.
Linette has pulled off enough upsets to give her plenty of confidence, and she has established herself as a very difficult opponent to beat. But it’s difficult to imagine Linette’s streak continuing with Sabalenka striking the ball with such precision.
Prediction: Sabalenka to win in 2 sets