Predicted Winners in BOLD

N. Osaka (4)J. Brady (28) – Jennifer Brady has played outstanding tennis since the start of the Lexington Event (My Old Kentucky Home!).  Still, Naomi Osaka possesses a unique blend of great defensive tennis, an ability to dictate play, and an ability to shift from defending to dictating after one single strong shot.  Brady has played with a great blend of controlled agression throughout this event.  That gives Brady a chance, but if Osaka starts dictating even close to half of the points, this match will shift heavily in Naomi’s favor.

Sep 10 · 9:00 PMSemifinals

S. Williams (3) vs. V. Azarenka – This is very tricky to predict.  Azarenka had a much easier match and there is no day of rest for either player today.  Will Serena Williams’ three consecutive three set matches catch up to her?  Is Azarenka’s momentum and athleticism enough to spring the upset.  All things being equal, I think both players are like Osaka in that they attack and defend quite well.  Serena attacks better than Azarenka does in my view, but Vika is probably the better defender.  If Serena is on, I think she wins this match.  I am not overly confident in the pick because I think a day off between matches would have benefitted Serena a lot after yesterday’s battle.