Iga Swiatek vs Ekaterina Alexandrova Prediction: Ekaterina is a tough match-up these days

The WTA Ostrava Open is on and what a great experience it has been. Some names like Alycia Parks and Caty McNally made some noise but ultimately succumbed to quality players. One of the Semi-Final match-ups is between Elena Rybakina and Petra Kvitova. Meanwhile, the other game will be between Iga Swiatek and Ekaterina Alexandrova, which will mark the Second Semi-Final.

Iga has been on-song as expected and comes into the game after defeating Caty McNally, as she won 6-4, 6-4. In that game, she had a significant impact on the serve, making 80% of her first serve. She continued the regular theme of breaking serves and eked out a 35-26 receiving points advantage. Swiatek won eight out of 16 service games by the end of the ordeal. Swiatek prevailed over Ajla Tomljanovic in the Round of 16 and the Polish phenomenon has resumed right where she left things during her US Open title run.

Ekaterina is in the form of her career and Alexandrova has surely taken her game to another level. She comes into the game after winning in three sets against Tereza Martincova. Alexandrova had a first serve% of 84 and went on to hit 73% win on the first serve. Alexandrova has been aggressive throughout the tournament and nailed 6 Aces. Alexandrova had beaten Daria Kasatkina and Victoria Azarenka in the prior rounds and she has beaten some heavyweights lately. Remember she won the Korean Open by beating Jelena Ostapenko. 

Interestingly Iga and Ekaterina met in 2021 where Alexandrova won in two sets. But Iga is an improved player since then.

Iga has become a relentless player and after a lean period, she has once again attained speed through the US Open exploits and may finish the year on a high note, having already won two Grand Slams this year. Remember, Iga is just 21 but it feels like that she has been on top for a decent amount of time. Still, Ekaterina can give her trouble here and can be a tough one. However, I’d back Iga here.