Birmingham. Nurnberg Day 6: Andrea's return to form

Birmingham:

Donna Vekic vs. Magdalena Rybarikova
Sabine Lisicki/Alison Riske vs. Daniela Hantuchova

Nurnberg:

Simona Halep vs. Andrea Petkovic

Match focus:

Donna Vekic vs. Magdalena Rybarikova

Donna tweeted that you know things get serious when WTA tweets about you. Yes, she is the real deal here as she easily takes out Sorana Cirstea. As the youngest member of the top 100, Vekic might be the new star that WTA is craving for. She has the looks and the game to draw the crowds. Despite her inexperience on grass, she powers her way into her first grass semi-final. Here, she will face an experienced grass courter, Rybarikova. Her inexperience might play to her advantage as Donna has nothing to lose. She needs to attack Magdalena's weaker backhand and go for her big shots. If she swings freely, an upset might be possible.

Pick: Vekic in 3 sets

Sabine Lisicki/Alison Riske vs. Daniela Hantuchova

Daniela conjures up all her mental strength to comeback from the brink of defeat against Schiavone. Will she be able to do it again against Lisicki/Riske? First of all. the Slovak has the advantage as this will be the second match that her opponent will be playing. Lisicki is the more possible opponent as Riske has to be tired coming all the way from qualifying. If the German comes through, Daniela needs to serve well and extend the rallies to induce the mistakes from Sabine. Once she implodes, Daniela will have an easier time. I've always thought Hantuchova has the game to beat the top players, just that her head isn't there 90% of the time. Let's hope she wins this in the twilight years of her career.

Pick: Hantuchova in 3 sets

Simona Halep vs. Andrea Petkovic

Petkovic surprised me with her easy win over Jelena Jankovic. This shows that the German is truly back in the game. When she's healthy, she's one of the most consistent and fittest player on tour. Simona had a tougher time against Safarova but won nonetheless. She will be the underdog here despite her higher ranking. I'm sure the crowd will be behind Andrea as she has a more pleasing personality and one more thing that favours Petkovic: Simona is still titleless despite having numerous final appearances.

Pick: Petkovic in 2 sets