WTA Monastir Semifinal Predictions Including Mertens vs Burel

Four of the top eight seeds have advanced to the semifinals of the WTA event in Monastir, setting the stage for a display of high-quality tennis. Among the remaining players in the draw is Elise Mertens, a former Australian Open semifinalist. At LWOT, we have made predictions and provided analysis for both semifinals. Now it’s your turn to guess which two players will emerge victorious and secure their spot in the final.

WTA Monastir Semifinal Predictions

Jasmine Paolini vs Lesia Tsurenko

Head-to-head: first meeting

This semifinal promises an intriguing clash of playing styles. Jasmine Paolini, known for her consistency and determination, will go up against Lesia Tsurenko, who prefers an aggressive approach. Paolini is currently enjoying the best form of her career and entered this tournament at an impressive career-high rank of #30.

Paolini’s recent results include a quarterfinal appearance at the Cincinnati Masters and a finals run at her home tournament in Palermo. On the other hand, 34-year-old Tsurenko has played fewer tournaments this year but has consistently delivered strong performances, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon and the French Open.

In this matchup, Tsurenko’s ability to overpower her opponent will likely determine the outcome. Paolini rarely falters in her solid performance, forcing Tsurenko to find a way to break through. The slightly faster courts in Tunisia favor Tsurenko, giving her a small advantage. However, predicting the winner of this Monastir semifinal is challenging, as Tsurenko will need her groundstrokes to be at their finest to secure victory.

Prediction: Tsurenko in 3

Elise Mertens vs Clara Burel

Head-to-head: first meeting

Anticipate exhilarating rallies in the second semifinal of the day in Monastir. While Elise Mertens has significantly developed her offensive skills over the years, her exceptional defensive abilities remain the foundation of her game. Clara Burel possesses a varied playing style, with her movement and mental resilience as her greatest assets. Despite Mertens’ higher ranking, the overall performance of both players this season has been quite similar. Burel has already reached a WTA final earlier this year in Lausanne, marking significant progress for the French player.

To give herself the best chance of success, Burel must be the aggressor in the match. Although she is a superb athlete, Mertens thrives in long baseline exchanges. It also allows her more opportunities to execute shots that bring her to the net, where her expertise as a three-time Grand Slam doubles champion shines through.

Burel needs to exhibit bravery and push Mertens behind the court by striking the ball cleanly. While this is easier said than done, it is the right strategy. Ultimately, Mertens’ more well-rounded game is likely to give her the upper hand in this particular matchup. However, if Burel effectively implements her attacking style, she is capable of securing victory in Monastir.

Prediction: Mertens in 3

Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports