WTA Indian Wells: Semi-Final Predictions

Maria Sharapova v Maria Kirilenko

Maria Kirilenko

Maria Sharapova has been far from her best in Indian Wells, despite not losing a set in her four matches. She did come close though to losing one in her quarter-final with Sara Errani, saving two set points in a tight opener before coming through 7-6(6) 6-2.  Her semi-final opponent is somewhat of a surprise in Maria Kirilenko, who has had one of her best weeks on the tour with two top ten wins over Agnieszka Radwanska and Petra Kvitova.  She showed real grit to stay with Kvitova who led by a set and break, but appeared to wilt in the heat towards the end of the second set as she served up four double faults in a row to force the decider, which Kirilenko promptly won, 6-3.  Sharapova and Kirilenko played last year at Indian Wells in a gruelling three setter and most recently, Sharapova won their semi-final at the Olympics.  Kirilenko certainly has a game that can trouble Sharapova, but I still fancy Sharapova to prevail in this one...

Prediction - Sharapova to beat Kirilenko in 3 sets

Caroline Wozniacki v Angelique Kerber

Where the mens tournament is thriving at Indian Wells, it has been a disappointing one for the ladies as both of the quarter-finals on Thursday were cancelled with Victoria Azarenka and Sam Stosur pulling out with injuries.  I cannot remember this happening for as long as I have followed tennis and its a big blow for the WTA in such a landmark event.  Azarenka's ankle injury sounds worrying and once more, we will not get to see a match-up with Wozniacki! The semi-final between Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber promises to be a closely fought battle and I think it should be a very good match.  Kerber leads the head-to-head 3-2 with three straight wins, but Wozniacki ran her close in Beijing last year and the gap between them promises to be even closer based on their form in 2013.  It is likely to come down to a couple of points here and there and I have deliberated over this one, but I am going for Kerber...

Prediction - Kerber to beat Wozniacki in 3 tight sets