Zidansek Pavlyuchenkova
Two first-time quarter-finalists Zidansek and Pavlyuchenkova to face off in debut semi-final in Paris
Slovenian Tamara Zidansek defeated Spanish rival Paula Badosa 7-5, 4-6, 8-6 to make the semi-finals of the French Open.
Interestingly, Zidansek has never been past the second round of any Grand Slam. The third went on after 6-6. The two exchanged games back and forth in the first set, which Zidansek took 7-5. On the other hand, the Spanish roared back in the second set, breaking her opponent early to take it 6-4. The final set was the longest of the match. Zidansek broke when it mattered to win the match.
Moreover, the 23-year-old Zidansek started this year’s tournament by beating seventh-seeded Bianca Andreescu in the first round for her first career win over a top-10 player.
She will now face fellow first-time semi-finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The Russian beat doubles partner Elena Rybakina 6-7 (2), 6-2, 9-7. Now, Pavlyuchenkova goes into her first-ever semi-final at a Grand Slam after last making it to this stage in 2011.
Who will join them in the semi-finals ?
Defending champion continued her first title defence beating Martya Kostuk 6-3, 6-4. She is however, now the most experienced player left in the women’s draw. She is scheduled to face Greek Maria Sakkari.
However, recently Swiatek boasts a 22 set streak. Consequently, this will be her first meeting with the Greek. She expects to shrug her off and continue her form in the clay this season.
Prediction : Swiatek in 3 sets
American teenager Coco Gauff became the youngest woman to reach a Grand Slam quarter-finals at seventeen years old. Additionally, she dominated her pre-quarter final in a 6-3 6-1 victory over Ons Jabeur. Afterward, she faces Krejčíková for a spot in the semi-final of Roland Garros. Barbora Krejčíková thrashed American Sloane Stephens 6-2, 6-0.
However, the battle between the two will be their first meeting. In addition, the winner will also have a potential clash with defending champion Iga Swiatek or Maria Sakkari.
Prediction : Krejcikova in 3 sets
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