It promises to be an entertaining first French Open semifinal, with plenty on the line, as the in-form Marta Kostyuk takes on eighth seed and rising star Mirra Andreeva. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our preview and prediction for the full match, as well as all the action from the men’s semifinals, but who will book their spot in Saturday’s final at Roland Garros?
French Open Semifinal Prediction
Marta Kostyuk vs Mirra Andreeva
Ateet: Mirra Andreeva destroyed the in-form Sorana Cirstea to reach her second French Open semifinal. Her defence suffocated Cirstea, who found it impossible to hit through the Russian. However, Andreeva will face a similar problem, as Marta Kostyuk has been a wall from the back herself and is on a 17-match winning streak. Kostyuk handled her nerves considerably better during their most recent match in Madrid, and I anticipate a similar result this time around.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Amanda: It is a second Grand Slam semifinal for Andreeva and a first for Kostyuk. Both players have found their best tennis during this year’s clay season, but Kostyuk is undefeated, including a straight-sets win over Andreeva in the Madrid final. Although Andreeva has been more dominant at this tournament, the quality of Kostyuk’s matches has been higher. Andreeva is playing well, but Kostyuk’s level is high enough to make it a third top-10 win in a row.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Jordan: Despite Andreeva being the younger of the two, Kostyuk’s results at the French Open and during the overall clay-court swing have been the more surprising. Fans can expect several lengthy rallies between two excellent athletes. This could go either way, but I narrowly favour Kostyuk. She seems in an inspired mood and is one of the few WTA players capable of preventing Andreeva from dominating with her backhand.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Cizu: Andreeva looked in total control in her quarterfinal dismantling of Cirstea, losing only three games. Kostyuk also looked in control for much of her match against her compatriot. There was plenty to admire about both women’s performances in those matches.
This should be an exciting battle. There was, however, something extra in how Andreeva took control of what was expected to be a tough match against Sorana Cirstea, never letting the Romanian settle. Kostyuk leads the head-to-head, including a win in Madrid last month, and is yet to be beaten this clay season, but I believe this time the young Russian gets one back if she brings the level she displayed.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Harsh: Both players are in form and worthy semifinalists. Kostyuk entered the French Open in great form, having won Madrid, coincidentally beating Andreeva in the final. Andreeva, too, is in sublime form and has dropped just one set so far at the French Open. Expect another tight battle, but while Andreeva is higher ranked, the head-to-head favours Kostyuk. If Kostyuk manages to gain an early lead, Andreeva will likely feel the pressure.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Jim: Kostyuk has been in quite superb form over the course of this year’s clay-court season and has carried that into the French Open. Unbeaten and doubtless full of confidence as a result, it feels like the stars are aligning for the Ukrainian. This will be her biggest test, and she will need to manage her emotions (particularly playing Russian opposition). But she has enjoyed this match-up and should have the better of it once again.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
