A couple of semi-final picks from Birmingham today, and both of these feel like they could go either way. We've got our takes below.
WTA Lexus Birmingham Open Predictions
Alexandra Eala vs Rebeka Masarova
Head-to-head: Eala 1-0 Masarova
Eala has been one of the more exciting stories on tour this year, and reaching a semi-final on grass at just 19 is no small thing. She's ranked nearly 100 spots above Masarova right now, and that gap reflects real form. Masarova has had some decent clay results but grass has never been her best surface and getting here at all was probably something of a bonus for her.
That said, semi-finals have a way of getting tight, and Eala hasn't always been the cleanest in big moments. I think she gets through, should still find a way to get through here, all things considered. Masarova will make her work for it.
Prediction: Eala in 3
Nikola Bartunkova vs Ashlyn Krueger
Head-to-head: Bartunkova 1-0 Krueger
This one is genuinely interesting. Bartunkova holds the H2H lead and is the higher seed, but Krueger is a natural grass-court player, comfortable sliding into the net and putting pressure on with her serve. The surface suits her more than the ranking suggests, and she's beaten tougher opponents than Bartunkova before when the conditions have suited her.
Bartunkova isn't bad on grass by any means, but Krueger feels like the player with more upside in this specific format on this specific surface. Tight match, goes three sets.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
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