By Erik Gudris/Friday, October 25, 2013
Can anyone stop Serena Williams? That continues to be the question as the final four of the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships are now set for this weekend.
Photo Credit: Getty
While one semi looks a foregone conclusion, the other just might go down to the wire as the final four is set at the WTA Championships in Istanbul. Here's a preview of tomorrow's semis.
No. 4 seed Li Na v. No. 5 seed Petra Kvitova
H2H: Tied at 3-3
These two good friends off the court will now battle each other for a coveted spot in Sunday's finals. Kvitova, a former champion two years ago, was expected to reach this stage. But Li is into her first semifinal in three appearances at the end of season event.
Both women play a similar high risk, high reward style of game and it's no wonder that they are level in their overall head to head. Their last meeting in Beijing went three sets with Kvitova winning. That alone suggests that tomorrow's match will probably go the distance too.
Though Kvitova credits her recent focus on fitness after the US Open as the reason for a good run of late, Li is showing a renewed mental resolve after being known for getting shaky when dealing with tight situations in matches. That could well be what helps Li withstand the expected onslaught of winners from Kvitova and helps the Chinese veteran take a step closer to the finals.
Pick: Li in three
No. 1 seed Serena Williams vs. No. 7 seed Jelena Jankovic
H2H: 7 to 4: Advantage Williams
Jankovic has certainly her enjoyed her time in the spotlight this week in Istanbul. A surprise win over Victoria Azarenka earlier in the week confirmed that the Serbian star is indeed right back in the mix of the elite of women's tennis.
But Jankovic is going up against a different caliber of player in Williams. The World No.1 continues to dominate during the event having not dropped a set and has the added bonus of having a day off before tomorrow's semifinal.
Jankovic will certainly have to hope her trademark defense is enough to disrupt Williams enough to possibly keep things close. But unless Williams has a complete off day, this again should be one-way traffic for the event's defending champion.
Pick: Williams in two.