Dubai Semi-Finals

Dubai Semi's

So the semi-finals went pretty much as I predicted with the exception of Pliskova who squeaked by a disgruntled Safarova. That leads me to the real issue plaguing Dubai this year. I have never seen a tournament with such horrific line calling and umpire decisions. I have seen at least one match each day where the line calls and umpire decisions have come at very significant times, and have negatively impacted the match. The match with Petkovic v. Diyas, an AWFUL line call [or lack of call in this case] on a court with no hawk-eye that gave Diyas a set point. In Safarova v Venus, there was a break point with a ball that was called out, the call was overturned by hawk-eye and the point was given to Safarova even though Venus not only had a play on the ball but hit the ball. Yesterday, there was a call in the Safarova v. Pliskova match where there was an out call that was overturned by hawk eye but Safarova not only played the ball but got it in and the umpire gave Pliskova the point which gave Pliskova a hold point instead of a break point. This call clearly affected Safarova as the match was extremely close up until then, and then Safarova won two games afterwards. The WTA needs to create a better way to review these points, and a more processed way for players to challenge an umpires ruling without having a shouting match on the courts. More importantly, when it seems to be a repeated issue at a tournament, there needs to be a way of fixing the problem. I also think these issues exemplify why the Grand Slams need to start having hawk-eye on every court and not just the main courts.

Anyway, Shifting back to the semi-finals. The semi-finals pits two great counterpunchers against each other and two big hitters against each other to battle it out for a spot in the final. Here is my outlook:

Match to Watch:

Muguruza v. Pliskova [17]
There only other meeting was way back in 2013 and on the red clay of Roland Garros, so it basically gives us very little insight as to how this will play out. However, that previous match was won by Muguruza in three sets. Both women played three set matches in their quarterfinal match ups and defeated players ranked above them. In fact, this week Pliskova has taken out the 4 and 11 seeds, and Muguruza has taken out the 12, 5, and 13 seeds. Pliskova has the edge with her serve, but Muguruza has the edge with her movement and groundstrokes. I really love watching Muguruza play and think she can be a grand slam contender, so this prediction is undoubtedly biased.
Prediction: Muguruza in three sets

Popcorn Match:

Halep [1] v. Wozniacki [3]
This head-to-head is tied 1 win each; however, their last match was in 2013 when Halep was rising and Wozniacki was struggling. With both players in good form this could prove to be a very interesting match of players who use similar tactics of moving their opponents around and their own foot speed to win points. Halep definitely has the edge in firepower, but I think that Wozniacki has the edge in speed. One thing is for sure, this match will feature A LOT of long rallies and extended points. If Wozniacki can stay in the points long enough I think she will have the edge because I think she has the better mental game of the two and that can give her the extra push she needs to win but I think it will be close regardless of the outcome. I think going to three sets would favor the energizer bunny Wozniacki; whereas, if Halep is hitting well enough to hit through Wozniacki she will want to do it in straights.
Prediction: Halep in straight sets