Wimbledon 2018 Ladies Semifinal Preview
It has been an extraordinary ladies draw at this year’s Wimbledon, with the top 10 seeds all being knocked out before the start of week two!
One has to say this has certainly played into the hands of the seven-time Wimbledon Champion Serena Williams, who found herself seeded 25 ahead of the tournament, despite being out of the game for a long period of time.
Based on what we have seen over the last 10-days, there is still every chance we can see a first time champion with Angelique Kerber, Jelena Ostapenko and Julia Goerges still chasing the most coveted Slam.
Let’s see how the last four match-up’s look and who will most likely be going head-to-head in the Championship match.
Julia Goerges v Serena Williams
Serena Williams continues to defy age as she edges closer to a 24th Grand Slam singles title when she takes on 13th seed Julia Goerges in the semifinals. After being out of the game for almost a year due to the birth of her child, it seems unbelievable that she is on the brink of a 10th Wimbledon final.
What is even more remarkable, is the manner in which she has dispatched her opponents along the way, except for Camila Giorgi in the last round when she had to fight back from a set down. A challenge she probably needed to see if her resolve was still intact.
Goerges is by no means a walkover of an opponent. The 29-year-old was ranked as high as 10 earlier this year and has 5 WTA titles to her name, however this is the very first time she has reached a semifinal of a Grand Slam. Adding to this, her 5 WTA titles, pales into insignificance when you consider Serena’s haul of 72!
The pair have only met on three previous occasions, Williams winning all of them, the most recent being a straight sets win at this year’s French Open.
Goerges has played some of her best tennis during this campaign, while at times Serena hasn’t been her most fluid self. That said, if the American is 80% on top of her game, she will most likely beat anyone, I expect this will be the case in the semifinal.
Williams last round match against Giorgi was a bit of a wakeup call when she found herself a set down. I can’t see happening again, so perhaps look at a straight sets win at 3/4 and another Wimbledon Final for Williams.
Serena Williams vs Camila Giorgi QF Highlights
Jelena Ostapenko v Angelique Kerber
On paper this one looks very much in favour of Kerber, who is aiming to reach a second Wimbledon Final and fourth Grand Slam Final.
A stellar 2016, saw the German reach the top of the world rankings after making 8-finals, including the Aussie Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, winning in Melbourne and New York. However, 2017 for some reason, saw a dip in form and her ranking drop outside of the top 10.
This year there have been signs of her 2016 form returning, especially here at Wimbledon, where she has dropped just the one set on her way to the semifinals.
Ostapenko herself is in great shape over the last 10 days, advancing through having not dropped a set. Her 2017 French Open win over Simona Halep, especially after having come from behind, showcased her fighting qualities and ability to deal with the pressure of big Grand Slam matches.
Despite this, Kerber is an experienced campaigner, without doubt a better player on grass and will want to put the memories of her 2016 Wimbledon Final loss behind her.
Ostapenko will have to overcome a very determined opponent if she is to march on at SW19.
Daria Kasatkina vs Angelique Kerber QF Highlights
SPORTSvox.com Prediction
Kerber should have too much for Ostapenko over three sets at 29/10, while Serena Williams will have one eye on equaling Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles, and should dispatch Goerges in straight sets at 3/4, to set up a repeat of the 2016 Wimbledon Final.
