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2019 WTA Finals Semifinal Odds & Pick: Barty vs Pliskova

Hayley Graham

by Hayley Graham in Tennis

Updated Apr 4, 2020 · 2:27 PM PDT

WTA Finals
World number 1 Ashleigh Barty faces Elina Svitolina in the final of the WTA Finals. Photo by Rob Keating (Wiki Commons) [CC License]
  • Ashleigh Barty and Karolina Pliskova face off in the semifinals of the WTA Finals on Saturday (8:00 AM ET, Nov. 2)
  • Barth holds a 3-2 lifetime record against Pliskova, and is a big favorite
  • Barty is currently ranked number 1 in the world

Ashleigh Barty and Karolina Pliskova will face each other for the sixth time Saturday morning in the semifinals of the WTA Finals. The WTA finals is a loaded tournament, featuring the eight players who have accumulated the most points over the course of the season.

Barty’s WTA Finals odds entering the tournament favored her to win it all, and with -165 odds, she’s expected to win her semifinal match.

Ashleigh Barty vs Karolina Pliskova Odds

Player Spread Moneyline Total
Ashleigh Barty -2.5 (-120) -165 O 22.0 (-110)
Karolina Pliskova +2.5 (-110) +135 U 22.0 (-120)

Odds taken Nov. 1, 2019

Barty’s Road to the Semis

World number 1 Barty will be playing world number 2 Pliskova in a marquee matchup that could go either way. Barty will look to cap off an amazing season by winning her fourth title at the WTA Finals. She was able to defeat sixth seed Petra Kvitova 6-4, 6-2, in just an hour and 29 minutes, giving her three consecutive wins over the former Wimbledon champ.

During a close first set, Barty was able to do what she does best. She was the first to pressure Kvitova’s serve, with two break points. Kvitova showed up for the match as well, stunning the crowd with drop shots and forehand magic, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Barty. In the second set, Kvitova had the opportunity to square the match, but Barty caught a couple of breaks, not allowing Kvitova to catch up.

Barty maintained a 62% first serve percentage, and didn’t face a breakpoint during the second set. She only had 18 unforced errors and was able to serve out the match.

Pliskova’s Road to the Semis

Pliskova has been one of the most consistent players this season, and it’s no surprise that her play has become of the best stories of the tournament. She advanced to the semifinals for the third straight year, by defeating Simona Halep 6-0, 2-6, 6-4. Pliskova was able start off strong against Halep, finding a way to win the first set 6-0, something that doesn’t happen very often. She was playing aggressive and strong, not necessarily her trademarks, and not letting Halep heat up whatsoever.

During the first set, Pliskova only committed three unforced errors. Halep fought back to win the second set and took a 2-0 lead in the decider, but Pliskova responded by winning the next three games. Halep then lost her serve, and despite breaking Pliskova, it was too little too late.

Best Bet

These two players most recently met in March in the Miami Open final, with Barty winning in straight sets. Pliskova literally holds the biggest serve on tour, recording 474 aces this year, and winning 73% of her first serve points. But Ashleigh Barty is second to none other than Serena Williams for service points won, making her one of the hardest players to break.

Ashleigh Barty vs Karolina Pliskova Statistical Comparison

Barty
VS
Pliskova
52-11 2019 Record 50-15
3 2019 Singles Titles 4
3 Head-To-Head Record 2

Based on how these two players play, Barty may have the upside and edge in this particular match. Pliskova is a tough opponent, but the way Barty sees the game and is able to judge is second to none. This allows her to not only set the tone in a game, but also adjust to how her opponent is playing, making her game extremely dangerous.

Best Bet: Ashleigh Barty (-165)

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