The first semifinal at this year’s women’s French Open has been determined as Iga Swiatek ousted former finalist Marketa Vondrousova 6-0 6-2 this afternoon, to set up a blockbuster battle with Coco Gauff.
First Semifinal: Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff
Earlier, Coco Gauff defeated Ons Jabur 4-6 6-2 6-3 to set up a semifinal with Iga Swiatek. This will be the third successive year the pair will meet at this tournament, with Swiatek winning the last two fairly comfortably.
The Match-Up
It’s not been a kind match-up for the American with Swiatek leading their head-to-head 10-1. Gauff leans towards more counter-punching tactics, using higher loopier balls to work the point against her opponent. She is also usually able to dictate proceedings with her serve.
Unfortunately, Swiatek’s ability to take control of the point with her extreme weight of shot makes it difficult to be patient against her. Gauff’s serve is also completely neutralised by Swiatek’s exceptional ability to return serve.
Semifinal Preview
Will things change at all this time around? It doesn’t look likely. After being tested in the second round by Naomi Osaka, Swiatek has played with absolute authority, dropping just eight games over her last three matches.
Gauff has had her fair share of great performances but, if the three-time champion’s playing well, there’s only one way we see this match going.
Be sure to tune into the match this Thursday, June 6th.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
