Semifinal action at the WTA Libema Open in Den Bosch will feature some unexpected names. Two-time former champion Ekaterina Alexandrova has emerged from her section of the draw unscathed and will face third seed Elise Mertens. The second semifinal guarantees a first-time finalist on grass when Elisabetta Cocciaretto takes on Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Who will reach the final in s-Hertogenbosch?
WTA Den Bosch Semifinal Predictions
Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Head-to-head: first meeting
Cocciaretto accounted for a straight sets win against home favorite Suzan Lamens. Ruse, for her part, downed former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu with so much ease (6-2 6-4). The fascinating thing about this matchup was that not many people saw it coming, even two rounds into the tournament. Ruse enters this match with plenty of experience and momentum on grass. She has reached one quarterfinal on this surface before this week.
Cocciaretto, meanwhile, had played just 10 times on grass before the tournament started but was looking to build on last year’s semifinal run in Birmingham. Neither player has dropped a set with Ruse’s impressive run accentuated by the fact that she came through qualifying. The Romanian holds an edge on serve and is the more stable returner.
Prediction: Ruse in 3
Elise Mertens vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Alexandrova 3-1 Mertens
Only three women in the 29-year history of this tournament have won the title twice. One of them is Alexandrova, who can achieve something unprecedented by taking home the crown for the third time. The Russian is now a clear-cut favorite and can atone for last year’s semifinal defeat to eventual champion Samsonova. Mertens has been electric this week, demonstrating spectacular ball striking to dismantle three opponents in straight sets. She has also recorded a 6-0 set in each match. With this kind of form, the Belgian has a fair chance of upsetting the second seed. This will be a high-quality battle. If Alexandrova denies Mertens extra room to build points, she’ll prevail.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports