Elina Svitolina
The young Ukrainian has emerged as a force on the WTA tour, entering this tournament as the #5 seed. She has had a stellar 2019 campaign, now going 28-15 and winning over $2.5 million in prize money. Her path to the US Open has been especially impressive, not dropping a set in any of her 5 wins so far. She now has a 16-7 record at Flushing Meadows, indicative of her strong ability on hardcourt.
Serena Williams
With the state of the WTA, it’s not surprising to see an almost 39-year-old Serena Williams make another grand slam semi. She is now 24-5 in relatively limited action this season, showing she can still mix it with the best. She faced a minor scare against McNally in round 2 but hasn’t lost a set otherwise. Her Quarter-Final win was her 100th at the US Open, showing the homecourt advantage she has.
Prediction: Svitolina +4.5 Games
Although Williams has decimated the competition so far, she hasn’t faced an opponent of Svitolina’s quality. I think her speed and athleticism can give Serena some problems and make for a relatively tight affair here. I ultimately see Serena pulling it out, although Svitolina should push her all the way in a very tense affair. A decent middle opportunity is also Serena to win in 3 sets at $4.20.
Belinda Bencic
Even at just 22 years of age, Bencic is already an established force on the WTA tour. She is having another strong year in 2019, going 43-16 in singles matches with 1 title to her name. She has faced some tough competition en route to the quarters, defeating Cornet, Osaka, and Vekic in consecutive matches. As someone who excels on the faster courts, she now boasts a 13-4 singles record at the US Open.
Bianca Andreescu
The 19-year old Canadian has burst onto the scene this year, earning the #15 seed for this tournament. She has gone an astonishing 43-4 in singles matches, winning both the Rogers Cup and Indian Wells in the process. She has defeated several tough opponents en route to the quarters, beating Mertens, Wozniacki, and Flipkens along the way. This is her first appearance at the US Open, let alone a Semi, and the pressure could potentially get to her.
Prediction: Over 21.5 Games
As the odds would suggest, this is a very difficult match to call. These are two of the most consistent ladies on tour this season, both of whom are in career-best form. As such, I expect a very tight affair here, one that likely goes to 3 sets. I don’t mind Bencic as an outright underdog, although over a relatively low number like 21.5 appears better value.