Semifinals preview

13 January 2012, by Hobart International Tennis

It’s semifinals day at the Moorilla Hobart International today. We preview the centre court singles action and look at the crystal ball to predict a winner.

[4] Angelique Kerber (GER) v [Q] Mona Barthel (GER)

An all German semifinal and the first meeting between the two. Kerber has been hitting winners from the baseline at will, backing up her breakthrough 2011 where she reached the US Open semifinals with a strong showing here. The number four seed was pushed by Sorana Cirstea in the quarters and struggled with a wrist injury in the final set but did enough to win. Barthel has equalled her best performance at a WTA event with her three set win over Jarmila Gajdosova. While not having a massive weapon the qualifier is rock solid all over the court showing great consistency. This will be her best chance to break through to her first WTA final.

VERDICT: Kerber in straight sets.

[1] Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) v [6] Shahar Peer (ISR)

The pair split their clashes in 2011 and the overall head to head sits at 3-2 in favour of the number one seed. Wickmayer has been super impressive in her run to this stage of the tournament, aggressive from the first point in each of her straight sets wins. Her heavy ground strokes, coupled with great variety around the court put her in a great position to win the tournament. Peer has struggled from time to time throughout the tournament but the counterpuncher she is, always fights back. You can never write her off at any stage of the match, running down every ball and being creative on the court. This will be a battle from the baseline with the number one seed holding the slight edge.

VERDICT: Wickmayer in three sets.