All of a sudden, we’re right into the business end of things in Melbourne. Finally, the women have a starring role on their semi-final day tomorrow.
Who will prevail? With a much healthier 87.5% win rate from my last predictions, AllThingsTennis wades in.
Ash Barty vs Madison Keys
There really doesn’t look to be anyone who can stop the homegrown top seed here. Jess Pegula was swept aside last time out, and although Barty was far from perfect early on, her serve saved her when she needed it to. But in Madison Keys we have a dangerous player who is fully on song. Even in the horrid conditions yesterday in her unpalatable victory over Krejcikova, the American was able to produce enough, showing yet more of the grit and fire that can steamroll so many on tour.
Having said all of this, I still think Barty should prevail, but – for the first time in a while for a match involving the Aussie – this one will be a close run thing.
Verdict: Barty in three
Danielle Collins vs Iga Swiatek
Both players dug deep in their previous rounds and have had to do so throughout the tournament on occasion. The American Collins – a snarling, snapping fighter if ever there was one – overpowered the gallant people’s favourite Cornet in a two-set contest that was closer than the score-line suggested. Collins hit with abandon, a freedom and a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude that served her just fine. One wonders though how long such a mentality can last the closer she gets to glory? And what of Swiatek? Just about keeping her head above the difficult 2nd album seas, the starlet really dug deep against Kanepi in the quarters – a match that really hung on the Estonian’s racquet. The Pole proved her own grit however and will be ready for all comers.
Verdict: Swiatek in three
All Things Tennis 