Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Dominika Cibulkova
Dominika's run should end here. Radwanska's scrambling game will give Cibulkova fits as she struggles to put the ball away. Also, the Pole's guile and variety doesn't give Cibulkova the rhythm that she likes to play with. I always had a soft spot for the underdogs, but Radwanska should take this in straightforward fashion and keep her 2013 campaign perfect.
Pick: Radwanska in 2 sets
Hobart SF:
Kirsten Flipkens vs. Mona Barthel
Flipkens has Kim Clijsters cheering for her like a fan girl. No other tennis player can say that. With her tight victory over Monica Niculescu in the quarters, the Belgian celebrates her birthday in style with a semi-final appearance. However, she faces a very tough opponent who happens to be the defending champion here in Hobart. Barthel has been quietly advancing through the draw and will be the favourite of this match. I do feel Flipkens has the game to upset Mona, but the matches haven't been as straightforward as Mona's. So her energy level will be lower compared to the German.
Pick: Barthel in 3 sets
Elena Vesnina vs. Sloane Stephens
Sloane Stephens needs to clean up her game in order to have a chance in this semi-final. Elena is a handy player whose only weakness is her mental strength. If Stephens gives away too many free points, Vesnina will run away with this match. I have a feeling that Sloane will erase her bad memories of her quarter-final and play good tennis again. There might be a struggle, but I believe the American will pull through.
Pick: Stephens in 2 tight sets
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