The last two spots for the semifinals in Singapore will be decided today when the Red Group play their final round of matches. US Open champion Naomi Osaka, who is yet to win a match, takes on Kiki Bertens. Meanwhile, Sloane Stephens plays Angelique Kerber in what will be the sixth meeting between the two players.
Red Group Standings heading into Friday’s final round robin matches:
1) Sloane Stephens: 2-0 in matches, 4-2 in sets, 32-27 in games.
2) Angelique Kerber: 1-1 in matches, 3-3 in sets, 30-28 in games.
3) Kiki Bertens: 1-1 in matches, 3-3 in sets, 28-28 in games.
4) Naomi Osaka: 0-2 in matches, 2-4 in sets, 27-34 in games.
Embed from Getty Images
Advancement scenarios for Friday’s matches:
- A Stephens loss combined with a Bertens victory is the only way Stephens would not advance, unless Bertens wins in three sets and Kerber wins in three sets, in which case advancement would be determined by percent of games won between Stephens, Kerber, Bertens.
- Kerber will advance with a win, unless she wins in three and Bertens wins in three (see above). The only scenario where Kerber can lose and advance is if Stephens and Osaka both win in three, in which case advancement would be determined by percent of games won between Kerber, Bertens, and Osaka.
- Bertens needs to win to advance, with both of the above percent of games won scenarios being the only exceptions.
- Osaka needs to win and needs Stephens to win as well, unless they both win in three as covered above.
Naomi Osaka vs. Kiki Bertens
Embed from Getty Images
Osaka won their only previous meeting almost three years ago in Acapulco, but this is an entirely different occasion. Osaka has looked a bit negative and emotionally fatigued this week, and losing two tight matches this week likely won’t help her disposition. Both players are yet to win a first set in Singapore, and whoever does so today will have a huge advantage. Following a lot of exhausting tennis earlier this week, coming back from a set down on Friday will be challenging. Osaka and Bertens have hit nearly 100 unforced errors each through two matches, and not nearly as many winners. On the slower hard court in Singapore, the player with less errors on Friday will likely prevail. I think Bertens will have a bit more mental energy left, and favor her chances for victory.
Angelique Kerber vs. Sloane Stephens
Embed from Getty Images
The final match of the round robin phase will feature two of the most entertaining players to watch on tour. The rallies should be tremendous, with top-notch court coverage and defensive skills on full display. But the last few times they’ve played, Kerber has struggled to get anything going against Stephens. Sloane is 4-1 lifetime against Angie, with the German’s only win coming over six years ago. The last three times they’ve met, Kerber has taken just eight games in six sets. That includes a match earlier this year on a hard court in Miami. And Stephens will be feeling confident coming off two victories earlier this week, and will feel comfortable knowing she’ll likely advance to the semifinals even if she loses. All the pressure will be on Kerber, and I don’t see her faring much better against Stephens on this day.
