WTA Finals Singapore Day 6 Preview: Muguruza, Kerber Look to Advance

After Maria Sharapova and Agnieszka Radwanska advanced to the semi-finals from the Red Group, it is now the turn of the players in the White Group to put in one last effort for a place in the last-four.

Each one of Garbine Murguruza, Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber and Lucie Safarova still has a chance to make it through and it certainly makes it an intriguing scenario. Which two players have the biggest chance? We take a look:

(2) Garbine Muguruza v (4) Petra Kvitova

Garbine Muguroza will be in action on Friday

Head-To-Head: First Meeting

Of the two players, Petra Kvitova comes with a wealth of experience. The Czech, who won this elite tournament on her debut in 2011, is looking to become just the third active player to reach double digit victories at the gala Season-ender.

Certainly, if the Czech No. 1 ever needs any inspiration, she can draw some from her past records. But will that be enough against a player who has looked terrific so far at this tournament?

Muguruza feels motivated and is playing like a woman on a mission. “I’m really motivated to be here because it’s my first time in Singapore singles! So I really want to come here and win all the matches I can and hopefully go far,” the Spaniard has said.

And each one of those words is true! The form she has shown since the Chinese Swing has been imperious. In 12 matches she has lost just once!

The 22-year-old, who has ascended to her career-high ranking of No. 3 has been mature, calm and is playing with the right amount of aggression.

Besides, after two wins this week, Muguruza has made it easy for herself as she now needs just one set against Kvitova to guarantee herself a semi-final berth.

However, it could still go all wrong for the Spanish No. 1. The only scenario which can bar Muguruza from further progress is if Kvitova wins in straight sets and Kerber also beats Safarova in straight sets, as in that case, the World No. 3 would be third in percentage of games won.

But to think that Kvitova, who still looks short on energy after her recent bout of mononucleosis, can slam shut the door on Muguruza in straight sets, is perhaps a little unrealistic. Muguruza clearly knows how to deal with lefties, having faced two such players this week. And her record this season against left-handed players is 6-2.

That certainly shows she would be a tough nut to crack!

Pick: Muguruza in three sets

(6) Angelique Kerber v (8) Lucie Safarova

Lucie Safarova will also be in action later today

Head-To-Head: Series tied 1-1

There’s little to separate between these two left-handed players, each of whom is looking to progress into the WTA Finals semis for the first time in her career. However, not everything is in their control as the result of the match between Muguruza and Kvitova will come into play as well to decide who advances into the last four.

The task is uphill for Safarova though, as in the event of Muguruza winning in straight sets only, the Czech No. 2 can have any hope of progressing, provided she too wins in straight sets. The 28-year-old has not been able to snatch a set this week in her two round robin matches. She has looked good but still lacks the confidence to go for her effortless pace and power after returning from injury and illness.

Kerber, on the other hand, has more choice and a little less rigidity if she wants to go through. The German, who won four titles this year, certainly has been one of the form players in 2015 and her straight-set drubbing of Kvitova puts her in a relatively safer zone than Safarova.

However, in the case of Kvitova winning in two, Kerber’s hopes will be dashed if she loses a set. The German would go into her match fully knowing what exactly is required of her as the Safarova-Kerber contest is the second match of the day.

The German No. 1 has had one of her big seasons this year and has notched up 53 wins so far which puts her at par with none other than Serena Williams. She started her campaign at the 2015 WTA Finals with a stunning defeat of Kvitova. It is only logical to think that Kerber would grab this opportunity with both hands.

Pick: Kerber in straight sets