For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
It’s fair to say few predicted these two players to still be around on semi-finals day. I certainly didn’t.
Both have enjoyed fairytale runs to the last four but there’s no doubt who the layers now expect to progress to Saturday’s final.
Swiatek is that player and is just 2/7 to win this contest. It’s hardly a surprise given the way she has demolished everything in front of her so far.
The highlight was a 6-1 6-2 victory over top seed and title favourite Simona Halep in round four and overall the Polish teenager has dropped just 20 games so far.
Her power has caused every opponent problems and it will be no different here, one suspects.
Podoroska, the first qualifier to reach the semi-finals of this tournament, has also been impressive though, particularly in the last round when she beat Elina Svitolina in straight sets.
She’s clearly a strong claycourter but key to her success over the past two-plus weeks has been her ability to get on the front foot and move into the court.
That aggressive strategy certainly reaped rewards against Svitolina.
The worry I have here surrounds how often she’ll get the chance to move up given the velocity some of the balls will be coming down at her.
If the Swiatek pattern continues, she’ll be pushed back – and wide – by the Pole’s hitting.
Swiatek looks to be in the groove right now – she’s also made it to the last four of the doubles – and I have to agree with the layers and make her a firm favourite.
Given the way she’s smashed her opponents, 4/6 about a straight-sets win doesn’t look too bad.
However, a warning sound always goes off in my head whenever players are competing in their first Grand Slam semi-final. It’s been particularly prevalent on the women’s side over the years.
The stakes here are a different level to anything which has gone before and I’ve seen on many an occasion a player wracked with nerves about what lies before them.
It could happen to Swiatek, although she does look mentally tough. If Podoroska unravels, the 4/6 will look huge.
The overall verdict is I’d much rather save my funds for the second semi-final, talking of which…
Further support and information can be found at and .