A couple of semi-final picks from Bad Homburg today, with two seeded players looking to book their spots in the final on grass. Who do you think makes it through?
WTA Bad Homburg Open Predictions
Xinyu Wang vs Naomi Osaka
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is Osaka's first appearance in a grass-court semi-final in a while, and she's looked more like her old self this week. Her serve and flat ball-striking are a natural fit for the surface and Wang, ranked 52nd, hasn't shown anything on grass to suggest she can trouble a player of Osaka's quality in a big match.
That said, Osaka has a habit of making things complicated when she probably shouldn't, and three sets wouldn't surprise anyone. I think she gets there, but it might not be clean.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Elena Gabriela Ruse vs Karolina Muchova
Head-to-head: Ruse 0-1 Muchova
Muchova is one of the most naturally gifted players on the tour when she's healthy and finding her range, and grass suits her sliced backhand and varied game down to the ground. Ruse is ranked 105th and hasn't beaten Muchova before, and there's nothing in her results this week that makes her a threat here. Hard to see this being competitive at all.
Muchova wins this, though knowing her injury history, every match feels slightly uncertain until it's over. The conditions should suit her, all things considered. We'll see.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire