Osaka Prediction: Valentova vs Cristian 10/18/2025 Today’s Tennis Picks

Czech qualifier Tereza Valentova will face World No. 47 Jaqueline Cristian in the semifinal of the 2025 Japan Open in Osaka. Here’s our Tereza Valentova vs Jaqueline Cristian prediction. This preview will also include a Tereza Valentova vs Jaqueline Cristian pick.

Tereza Valentova vs Jaqueline Cristian Preview

Tereza Valentova reached her second career semifinal at WTA level after the young Czech bested Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in three sets. Valentova completed a comeback win over the left-handed Danilovic after two hours and seven minutes. She won 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Her previous semifinal appearance was at her home tournament in Prague this summer.

Valentova hit 3 aces and 7 double faults in the victory over Danilovic. Valentova landed 54% of first serves in play and won 68% of first serve points (30/44). She won 45% of second serve points (17/38) and saved three of seven break points in the match. It was the first time she’d dropped a set in the main draw in Osaka after beating both Alexandra Eala and Elise Mertens in straight sets before this.

Jaqueline Cristian received a walkover in the quarterfinals. The Romanian was scheduled to face Naomi Osaka, but the four-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the tournament due to a left leg injury. Cristian will therefore advance to the semifinals without lifting her racket.

The day off was much needed after Cristian needed three sets to beat Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the round of 16. The 27-year-old was completely outplayed by the Spaniard in the first set which she lost 6-0, but she raised her level in the second set, breaking Bouzas Maneiro twice and eventually clinching the set 6-4. Cristian broke Bouzas Maneiro twice in the third set to ease to victory. This will be her first semifinal since the Iasi Open in July.

Tereza Valentova vs Jaqueline Cristian Head-To-Head

Valentova and Cristian have never played each other at any level.

Tereza Valentova vs Jaqueline Cristian Prediction

Valentova starts as the clear-cut favorite. She’s only 18 with limited tour level experinece, but she’s been fearless and has scalped some experinced players already in her young career this season. And her run from qualifying has been nothing short of remarkble. But Cristian could throw a curveball here. The Romanian enters this match with less hype and while she’s not flashy, she’s steady and gritty. I think Cristian offers decent value to at least take a set here given the current odds.