It’s getting down to the business end of another Grand Slam as we’re down to the final four in each side of the draw at this year’s French Open. As has been the unpredictable nature of the Women’s game in recent majors it’s unlikely anyone would’ve predicted this year’s match ups. Meanwhile the reverse can be said of the Men’s draw where some familiar faces will again battle it out to try and end Rafael Nadal’s reign in Paris.
Four-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova is the biggest name in the Women’s semis and having knocked out our Sam Stosur is looking to reach the final at Roland Garros for the third year in a row. The 2012 champ will play emerging Canadian talent Eugenie Bouchard for a spot in the final. The 20-year-old has continued her good form from the Australian Open where she also made the semis and will be seeking to make her first grand slam final.
In the other semi-final fourth seed Simona Halep will be looking to continue her charge through the draw. The Romanian has not dropped a set all tournament in breezing through her half of the draw and will be looking to go all the way being the highest ranked player left in the draw. The 22-year-old will be playing in her first grand slam semi-final when she comes up against German Andrea Petkovic, who conversely has been pushed to a deciding set three times en route to the last four.
The Men’s side of the draw promises to throw up some more epic encounters with Rafael Nadal looking to continue his dominance at the French Open. The “King of Clay” has won an astounding eight out of the last nine championships in Paris and will become the player in the open-era to win a Grand Slam five times in a row if he’s victorious. Standing in his way is recent adversary Andy Murray who is coming off a five-set win against local hope Gael Monfils.
The second semi-final will see Novak Djokovic attempt to keep his hopes of achieving a career Grand Slam alive after he was able to overcome Milos Raonic in three tough sets. The second seed has only dropped one tie-breaker set during his march through the draw but “The Joker” will surely need a few tricks up his sleeve if he’s to lift the trophy. He must first get past surprise packet Ernests Gulbis who has knocked out Roger Federer and Thomas Berdych on his way to the semis.
It promises to be an intriguing weekend of tennis as we wait to see who will be crowned this year’s Champions in Paris. As always you can catch all the action from Roland Garros in the clubhouse.