![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-07-03T102457Z_630252973_UP1EH730SXJ1J_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-WIMBLEDON-2.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 3, 2021 Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in action during her third round match against Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko REUTERS/Paul Childs
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-07-03T102457Z_630252973_UP1EH730SXJ1J_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-WIMBLEDON-2.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 3, 2021 Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in action during her third round match against Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko REUTERS/Paul Childs
The stage is all set and the anticipation around the semi-final is in the air as two strong players will be looking to lock horns in an interesting match at the WTA Birmingham Open. Ajla Tomljanovic, who has been one of the top players to look out for in the tournament has done exceptionally well and with just one step remaining between her and the finals, she will be looking to do whatever it takes to clinch the win.
However, her route to the final will not be easy at all. Standing her way in the semis will be Anastasia Potapova. With the match set to undergo in just a few hours, who among the two will come out on top?
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Anastasia Potapova: Preview
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ajla Tomljanovic has shown a commendable performance in her recent matches, winning 56% of her games (W/L 10/8). Her second serve has been relatively strong, with a win rate of 44%, and she excels in returning, winning 39% of her opponents’ first-serve points and 55% of their second-serve points.
Additionally, Ajla Tomljanovic has saved 54% of breakpoints against her, demonstrating her resilience under pressure. On grass, her preferred surface, she boasts a 61% win rate (W/L 43/28), making her a formidable opponent on this terrain.
Anastasia Potapova has been impressive in her recent matches, securing victory in 61% of her games (W/L 19/12). She has a solid second serve, winning 45% of points on it, and is effective in returning, with a 37% win rate on opponents’ first serves and 56% on second serves.
A good win for Anastasia Potapova as she reaches her first semifinal of the year at the Rothesay Classic Birmingham!
Beats 2nd seed Barbora Krejcikova 6-1, 6-4 after saving all break points faced in the match. What an opportunity for Nastya this week! pic.twitter.com/kXYW5iF7vi
— WTARussians (@WTArussians) June 21, 2024
Potapova excels under pressure, saving 59% of breakpoints, and has a high breakpoint conversion rate of 45%. Her best performances come on grass, where she has a 64% win rate (W/L 14/8), showcasing her strength and adaptability on this surface.
Tomljanovic vs Potapova: Head-to-head
When it comes to the head-to-head statistics between the two players, Ajla Tomljanovic has the slightest advantage over Potapova. Interestingly, these two have met each other a total of 3 times and Tomljanovic has been a clear winner among the two with 2 wins compared to Potapova’s 1.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Interestingly, the first time they locked horns was back in the year 2020 when they played against each other in St. Petersberg. In a complete one-sided dominance by Potapova, she managed to come out on top with a straight-set win. The final scoreline of the match was 7-6, 6-3. However, this was the only time when she emerged victorious.
In the remaining two encounters, Ajla Tomljanovic has managed to secure the win with one coming in Miami in 2021 and the other one coming in the same year in Cluj Napoca. Thus, this will be their fourth encounter after 3 years.
Prediction: Ajla Tomljanovic could secure a place in the finals with a straight-set win
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As things stand, the way that Ajla Tomljanovic has played so far in the event makes her a top contender to clinch a spot in the finals. With the head-to-head advantage that she has, she could use that as a weapon to take down her opponent and seal a spot in the finals.
However, Anastasia Potapova will also not let go of things without a fight. With the stage set for an epic encounter, who among the two will come out on top? Who is your pick to win the match? Please let us know in the comments below!