ROLAND GARROS, France

Women’s Semifinal: [3] Karolina Pliskova (CZE) vs. [4] Simona Halep (ROU)

Halep led their head-to-head 4:1; however, despite the lead, she knew that Pliskova was still a dangerous opponent. Halep took the first set and appeared in control of the match; yet, you can never count Pliskova out.  Despite her poor movement, she has two weapons that make her difficult to dismiss: her serve and her calm confidence.  Things could have unraveled for the favorite, Halep, who has struggled when much is expected of her.  After dropping her break lead in the final set, it looked like Pliskova would turn the tables;   however, Halep would not be denied, she broke back and then served it out  6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to get back to her second Roland Garros final.

SOURCE OF IMAGE: Bing search

Women’s Semifinal: [31] Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) vs. [47] Jelena Ostapenko (LAT)

It was their first meeting and a lot was at stake for both, their first appearance in a Major final. Ostapenko’s inexperience was evident when she failed to serve out the first set and was forced to win it in a tiebreak.  It was also evident when she lost her focus to lose the second set.  Although she regrouped quickly in the third set to get the early break, Bacsinszky was not discouraged.  It was never going to be an easy victory for the young Latvian, who was battling the nerves of the occasion and a resourceful competitor.  In the end, the ferocious power of the Latvian and the fearlessness of youth won the day. Ostapenko won 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3 and became the first Latvian to make it to a Major final.

SOURCE OF IMAGE:  AFP/Gabriel Bouys