Martina Navratilova backs Jessica Pegula to defeat Coco Gauff in the WTA Finals semis, makes her choice between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek too 

Martina Navratilova feels Jessica Pegula's game is more suited for the windy conditions in Cancun.

Martina Navratilova backs Jessica Pegula to defeat Coco Gauff in the WTA Finals semis, makes her choice between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek too 

Martina Navratilova (L), Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula (M) Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek (R) (Images via The Today Show, WTA, TVP Sport)

American tennis legend Martina Navratilova has dished out her predictions for the two semifinals at the 2023 WTA Finals. The former World No.1 has picked her winners between Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff as well as between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. Navratilova has picked the senior American to pip her doubles partner Coco Gauff. 

The 67-year-old believes Pegula has an upper hand over Gauff in the windy conditions in Cancun. Navratilova feels that the momentum is also with Pegula who won all three of her games in the group stage. Pegula defeated Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Maria Sakkari en route to the semifinals.

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Martina Navratilova has claimed that Pegula’s compact shots are suited for the conditions in Mexico. Meanwhile, she highlighted how Coc Gauff has been too erratic in her gameplay. But the American legend is banking on Coco Gauff’s mental strength, calling it the extra ingredient she possesses.

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I think this court and the conditions suit the short, compact strokes we see from Pegula. Very little goes wrong, and she moves well. She dominated the toughest of the two groups. My pick to win was Coco, but with these conditions, I’ll go with Pegula.
Martina Navratilova predicted about the match between Gauff and Pegula.

She further stated: 

In my opinion, Coco has to serve better. She had, what, 17 double faults against Vondrousova? Even with the bloody wind, that won’t cut it. She showed some great mental strength in coming back to beat Vondrousova. Coco has that extra ingredient that most people don’t have.

Martina Navratilova can’t pick a winner between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek

While Martina Navratilova had no problem picking the winner for the first semifinal at the 2023 WTA Finals, the 67-year-old found it hard to pick an outright winner between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. The American legend believes both players have got equal chances of beating the other.

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Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek (Tennis.com, Onet)

The 67-year-old American said that she would have loved it if the two players met in the finals instead of the semis. Nevertheless, she analyzed both Sabalenka’s and Siwatek’s games and concluded that both have their strengths that align with the conditions. However, she finds Swiatek’s armory to be more equipped. 

If you think about it, it’s unbelievable -- a perfect ending, except for the fact it’s the semifinals, instead of the finals. Bottom line, who can handle the pressure better with so much riding on it? Aryna was amazing for two days, so I think it’s 50-50. When Sabalenka’s ball comes in fast, the wind makes it easier to handle. Overall, the wind favors Swiatek. With her spin, she’s able to navigate those gusts -- there’s much less that can go wrong with her game.
Martina Navratilova said about Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. (H/T: WTA)

Navratilova’s confusion about picking a winner between Swiatek and Sabalenka seems like a genuine one, considering how the two players have fared against each other. While Iga Swiatek leads the overall head-to-head record 5-3, Sabalenka has gone undefeated against the Polish ace at the WTA Finals in two meetings.

While Sabalenka pipped Swiatek in the group stage in 2021, she knocked out the Pole after beating her in the semifinals at the 2022 WTA Finals. It is to be seen if Swiatek will turn it around for herself this time or if Sabalenka will further extend her lead.

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