After an action-packed few days, the stage is finally setting up for the showdown at the WTA Birmingham Open. It is the latter stages of the event and only the best players in the event remain. One of those stars is Elisabetta Cocciaretto. The Italian superstar, who has made her way into the semis will be going head-to-head against Yulia Putintseva from Kazakhstan.

With the stage all set for a thriller in the semis, only one among them will shine and make her way into the finals of the tournament. But who will that star be?

Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Yulia Putintseva: Preview

Currently ranked No. 41, Yulia Putintseva made it to the semifinals by overcoming Clara Burel, Anhelina Kalinina, and Caroline Dolehide. In the quarterfinals, Putintseva defeated Dolehide 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-1. She scored 102 points versus Dolehide’s 86, hitting 35 winners.

Putintseva served 2 aces, committed 2 double faults, and saved 5 break points. She put in 64% of her first serves, winning 66% of those points and 53% on her second serve. The Kazakhstani player broke Dolehide 8 times, converting 40% of her break points.

On the other hand, Elisabetta Cocciaretto advanced to the semifinals by defeating Jelena Ostapenko, Sloane Stephens, and Diana Shnaider. In the quarterfinals, Cocciaretto came back from a set down to beat Shnaider 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, scoring 111 points to Shnaider’s 96 and hitting 41 winners.

Cocciaretto served 3 aces, committed 3 double faults, and saved 6 break points. She put 65% of her first serves in, winning 71% of those points and 45% on her second serve. Cocciaretto broke Shnaider 6 times, converting 33% of her break points.

Cocciaretto vs Putintseva: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head stats between the two players, Yulia Putintseva stands out on top. However, she only has the slightest of advantages. These two stars have only played once against each other and that was won by the Kazakh star herself.

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In a thrilling encounter that saw both players battle neck to neck, it was Putintseva who came out on top. Despite losing the first set 6-0, she managed to come out on top in the second set. However, she had to give in her everything. After clinching the second set 7-5, it all came down to the third and the final set. While both players played neck to neck, the Kazakh star came out on top and clinched the final set 7-6 to eventually come out on top.

Thus, with a healthy 1-0 lead, she will be looking to extend it further and Elisabetta Cocciaretto will be looking to equal the scores. But, who among the two will come out on top?

Prediction: Elisabetta Cocciaretto could make her way into the final with a hard-fought win

While both players have shown excellent form playing at Birmingham, it can be hard to predict a winner between the two. While Putintseva has already shown her potential in their previous meeting, Cocciaretto will be determined to equal the scorelines and come out on top. Thus, as things stand, Elisabetta Cocciaretto could come out on top in this match.

However, the win will not come easy to her at all. With so much at stake, her opponent will look to give her everything and stop the Italian. Who are you backing out in this match? Do let us know in the comments below!