A couple of intriguing semi-finals at the Ilkley Open today, and honestly both of these could go either way. We've got our picks from the grass in Yorkshire, so let's get into it.
WTA Lexus Ilkley Open Predictions
Ashlyn Krueger vs Darja Vidmanova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Neither of these players is a proven grass-court specialist, so this one really comes down to who's been playing better this week. Krueger is a solid baseliner who can grind, but grass tends to reward players who can shorten points and take time away from their opponents, and Vidmanova has shown she can do that. With the rankings so close, there's no real favorite on paper.
I think this goes the distance, but Vidmanova has just enough variety in her game to create the awkward moments that win tight sets on grass.
Prediction: Vidmanova in 3
Mary Stoiana vs Celine Naef
Head-to-head: Stoiana 1-0 Naef
Stoiana holds the only meeting between these two, which counts for something, but Naef is the more complete player at this stage of their careers and has been on a steadier trajectory lately. The ranking gap doesn't tell the full story here since Naef has spent most of her time on slower surfaces and grass is still a bit of an unknown for her, but that's also true of Stoiana.
Naef wins this. She has more weapons off both wings and if she's not overthinking it, the natural aggression in her game should translate well enough on the surface, all things considered.
Prediction: Naef in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire