Aryna Sabalenka vs Karolina Pliskova Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA National Bank Open

Prediction published on 14/08/2021, 09:09  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 14/08/2021 at 10:09 in Tennis Predictions

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka takes on Karolina Pliskova (seeded fourth) in the first semi-final at the National Bank Open. The winner of this match will take on unseeded opposition in the final as Camila Girorgi takes on Jessica Pegula in other last four encounter. Sabalenka is the world number three and chasing a third title of 2021. She began the year in tenth place and has won titles in Abu Dhabi and on clay in Madrid where the Belarusan beat both Simona Halep and Ashleigh Barty. This match is a repeat of the Wimbledon semi-final and it was Pliskova who won on that occasion. That was the first time Sabalenka had lost to Pliskova after previous wins in Cincinnati and Eastbourne three years ago. All three of their previous meetings have gone to three sets. This week has seen Sabalenka get wins over Sloane Stephens (in three sets), Rebecca Marino and eighth seeded Victoria Azarenka for the loss of only six games.

Karolina Pliskova lost in the Wimbledon final this year and is the world number six. The Czech is still waiting to win her first title of the year and had that disastrous final in Rome against Iga Swiatek when she failed to win a game. A win in this semi-final could see her meet Camila Giorgi in the final, the Italian beat her at the Olympics and in Eastbourne. Pliskova might dread a final against Pegula as she's lost to the American four times this year. Before that though she takes on Sabalenka and a hard battle lies ahead. This week has seen her beat Donna Vekic from a set down, Amanda Anisimova and Sara Sorribes Tormo for the loss of four games. This is a lot tougher though and Sabalenka looks back to her best, so tip her to win the final in a possible three-setter.