Our Panelists are back with only two rounds left in the tournament. The semifinals have been delayed until Friday because of the rain, which means that the Serena/Bertens winner will be playing matches on three consecutive days when she reaches the final. Predicting today are LWOS contributors Sam Barker, Bradey Bononcioni, and Jeff Crady.
Panelists Predictions French Open Women’s Semifinals
Serena Williams vs Kiki Bertens
Sam:
It seems bizarre to say that in order to reach the French Open final, Serena will have to derail a seemingly unstoppable Dutch train. Bertens has looked remarkable throughout her dreamy French Open run and, given Serena’s tendency to go walkabout during matches, has a genuine chance of making a maiden Grand Slam final. However, there are concerns over that left calf whilst Serena rarely has two off days at Grand Slams.
Prediction: Serena in 3
Bradey:
Kiki Bertens has defied all expectations to get where she has. Her coach however reported that she may not playing due to an ailing calf. When you’re not 100% against Serena Williams, it’s going to be hard for a player to make anything happen even when the American battles her nerves.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Jeff:
Although Kiki Bertens has been having a phenomenal career making season, it is hard to see her getting past a surging Serena Williams on her best day, much less on one leg, which is how she finished her win over Bacsinzsky. Serena will move Berten’s banged up body around the court and win in straight sets.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Samantha Stosur vs Garbine Muguruza
Sam:
Stosur has surprised everyone by rolling back the years and producing some scintillating tennis, yet Muguruza has now won ten consecutive sets and looks to be at home in on the Parisian clay. She knows this is a massive chance for that first Grand Slam title whilst for Stosur this may be a final hurrah.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Bradey:
Stosur has had a bit of a resurgence this week returning to her first slam semifinal in exactly four years. Muguruza has caught fire this week and has battled her batch patches of play to come through in every set she’s played this year. Stosur’s main problem is that tall, flat hitters tend to make her topspin and kick serve ineffective. Not to mention they rush her timing with her extreme grip. Nevertheless, she’s coming in with confidence so this could go either way.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Jeff:
Muguruza and Stosur provide tennis fans with a classic battle: young tour talent vs resurgent tour superstar. Stosur and Muguruza have both looked powerful, thoughtful, and fierce on the court this tourney. Both have posted impressive wins. Stosur’s triumph over the in-form Simona Halep, and her words of confidence in herself this week, will carry her across the finish line against Muguruza, who has been known to let down emotionally sometimes.
Prediction: Stosur in 3
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