Dominic Thiem’s upset of Novak Djokovic ensures there will not be a repeat champion at Roland Garros, but two former champions, Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka remain standing, while world #1 Andy Murray is back in the semifinals, and Thiem is looking to continue his breakthrough run in Paris. Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions.
Andy Murray vs. Stan Wawrinka
Steen: Wawrinka hasn’t dropped as et this tournament, and he’d love to claim a second French Open title. Murray has put together some gritty performances to repeat his semifinal result from last year, but he still hasn’t looked at his 100% best. Wawrinka’s tennis is razor sharp right now, and he should punish Murray and win the key rallies to reach the final. Wawrinka in 4
Yesh: Stan Wawrinka is once again playing in Slam-winning form. He does this once every few years and becomes nearly unbeatable. Unfortunately for him, Andy Murray has the game and playing style to take out Wawrinka, and Murray is looking better and better as this Slam goes on. He wants to go one better than he did last year, and he should be able to frustrate Wawrinka enough to do it. Murray in 4
Rafael Nadal vs. Dominic Thiem
Steen: Thiem has beaten Nadal twice and will have plenty of belief, he’s also been in red hot form. Rafa in best of 5 on clay is nearly impossible to defeat though, and Nadal has also played impeccably well in his RG matches. The king of clay should reign supreme. Nadal in 3
Yesh: It was two short weeks ago that Thiem beat Nadal in solid fashion. Beating him with the pressure of a five-setter at Roland Garros is completely different, though. Thiem played well enough against Djokovic that he has to believe he can win this. If this goes five, I don’t think that Thiem can cope mentally; I do think he can close it out in four, though. This is the youngster’s time to put his name at the top of the game. Thiem in 4
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