The WTA Monterrey Open is set for a thrilling semi-final as second seed Ekaterina Alexandrova takes on the unseeded but in-form Marie Bouzkova. This will be their second career meeting—and their first clash on a hard court—setting the stage for a fascinating battle of styles and resilience.
Bouzkova Chasing Another Monterrey Final
Marie Bouzkova knows Monterrey well. The Czech star reached the final here in 2020 and now finds herself just one win away from matching that career-best run. With confidence surging, she will be eager to go one step further this time.
Her path to the last four has been convincing. In the quarter-finals, Bouzkova dispatched qualifier Antonia Ruzic in straight sets, extending her superb run of form. The 27-year-old has now won 10 of her last 11 matches, a streak that includes her title triumph in Prague. This surge has propelled her up nine spots in the live rankings, where she currently sits at No. 44.
Alexandrova Out to Break Her Semi-Final Barrier
On the other side of the net, Ekaterina Alexandrova comes into the contest on the back of an impressive victory over sixth seed and defending champion Linda Noskova. The Russian, ranked No. 13 live, edged a tense three-set encounter that could prove to be a turning point in her season.
Despite her talent and consistency, Alexandrova has been plagued by semi-final exits in 2025. She has contested five semi-finals, losing four of them. The exception was in Linz, where she not only advanced but also lifted the trophy. Now, with renewed confidence, she will look to finally shake off her semi-final struggles in Monterrey.
Historically, Alexandrova holds the head-to-head edge, having beaten Bouzkova on clay in Madrid three years ago. However, conditions on hard courts may level the playing field.
Head-to-Head and Key Stats
- Bouzkova has taken at least one set in her last 11 matches.
- Alexandrova has also proven consistent, winning a set in nine straight outings.
- Their only previous meeting required a deciding set after nearly three hours of play.
- Both players are seasoned hard-court competitors, each boasting over 100 career wins on the surface.
What to Expect
With both women comfortable on hard courts and riding strong form, this semi-final promises intensity and momentum swings. Bouzkova’s defensive skills and counterpunching style will test Alexandrova’s aggressive baseline power. Meanwhile, Alexandrova’s big serve and flat groundstrokes will look to break through Bouzkova’s resilience.
Given their track records, a straight-sets win for either player looks unlikely. The numbers, and their past meeting, suggest another long battle that could easily stretch into a decider.
Prediction
This semi-final has all the makings of a dramatic, closely fought contest. With both players in form and evenly matched on hard courts, expect a match of fine margins.
Prediction: The match will go to three sets. Final scoreline could swing either way, but a 2-1 result feels the most realistic outcome.