Iga Swiatek vs. Coco Gauff
As far as the semifinals are concerned, this match is meaningless. Swiatek has already qualified for the top spot from this group, and Gauff has already been eliminated. Fortunately, if there’s one match that can sustain its interest level without any stakes, it’s this one. Swiatek and Gauff are the headline attractions at this event, and, considering that they’re still only 21 and 18, respectively, they could be playing Grand Slam finals against each other for a decade to come.
They’ve already played one, at Roland Garros in May. Swiatek rolled, 6-1, 6-3, the same way she rolled in her other three matches with the American. In their four meetings, Swiatek hasn’t dropped a set, and has only surrendered more than three games in one of them. Even a friendly audience in San Diego last month was no help for Gauff; she suffered her worst defeat yet to Swiatek, 6-0, 6-3.
So far, Swiatek has had too much firepower for Gauff, and she hasn’t been at all bothered by Coco’s speed or retrieving skills, or her never-give-up attitude. Swiatek just hits through it all. I’m guessing Gauff will do better in the semi-exhibition atmosphere on Saturday night, but “better” is still a ways from winning for her. Winner: Swiatek