It’s the French Open semifinal match that no one saw coming, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be excellent. Maja Chwalinska made her way to the semifinals all the way from qualifying, while Diana Shnaider just took out overwhelming favorite Aryna Sabalenka. One of these women will reach the final in Paris. But who will it be? Our writers share their thoughts.
French Open Semifinal Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Maja Chwalinska
Jordan:
Chwalinska’s run to the French Open semifinals and Shnaider’s remarkable recovery from 3-6 1-4 against Aryna Sabalenka are among the most unexpected moments seen in women’s tennis in the last few years. I am backing Chwalinska to continue her remarkable tournament by beating Shnaider. The Pole’s defense has been unmatched in Paris, and that presents a very different challenge to Shnaider than Sabalenka did. I do not feel she will overcome it.
Prediction: Chwalinska in 3
Ateet:
This year’s French Open has seen so many big upsets, but Diana Shnaider inflicted the biggest one on the women’s side as she defeated World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets. Shnaider was a set and double break down, but she was making inroads in a lot of games and then eventually pounced when Sabalenka got erratic.
Maja Chwalinska has been the positive story of the tournament, and her unorthodox game style has been a breath of fresh air. Anna Kalinskaya had no idea how to tackle Chwalinska’s variety, but I think Shnaider will deal with it better. This is a huge opportunity for both players to make the finals of a Slam, and I am backing the Russian to win.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Tope:
This has been arguably the most eventful French Open ever and this semifinal lineup piercingly attests to that. Two lefty power hitters are in uncharted territory for a chance to be part of Parisien glory, and while Shnaider caused the bigger upset en route, I feel Maja Chwalinska with her near infallible first serve and iron clad focus continues her Cinderella run to the final.
Prediction: Chwalinska in 3
Yesh:
What’s been so amazing about Chwalinska’s run is that she hasn’t done anything flashy or shocking. She has just played exceptional defensive tennis and has constructed points masterfully. It hasn’t matter what her opponent’s style or power was. She has found a way to get the upper hand in most rallies against everyone. There’s no reason to think she won’t be able to do the same against Shnaider, who hasn’t seen an opponent with her craftiness yet this tournament.
Prediction: Chwalinska in 2
Amanda:
In probably the one of the most unexpected Grand Slam semifinals ever, qualifier Maja Chwalinska and Diana Shnaider, who defeated Aryna Sabalenka from a set and a double break down, will compete for a first Grand Slam final. Chwalinska has been tearing through the draw all week, only dropping one set in her entire run through qualifying and the main draw, but Shnaider has a combination of power hitting and variety that Chwalinska hasn’t faced yet. While Chwalinska has proven she shouldn’t be underestimated and could pull off yet another surprise, Shnaider has been stable under pressure and can come out on top in what could be a close match.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
