In the second half of the quarterfinal action at this year’s French Open, Andrea Petkovic and Simona Halep have both advanced to the final four of a Grand Slam for the first time and with similar scorelines, 6-2 6-2.
After the initial delay due to rain, the 28th-seeded Petkovic was the first to move through. The German broke the 2012 finalist and tenth seed Sara Errani seven times, as the Italian won just 39% of points on her first serve and even less, 17%, on second serve. The last to take the spot in the semifinals was the fourth-seeded Halep, with a confident victory over 2009 champion and seed No.27 Svetlana Kuznetsova, who struggled with a thigh injury and blew seven of nine chances to break her opponent’s serve, while Halep used up six of eight break points.
Notice that the seven-time WTA titlist Halep had never been past the second round of the French Open, even though she won the tournament as a junior in 2008. Nevertheless, she has been tipped as one of the favorites to go far on the red Paris clay and she has lived up to the expectations. Petkovic reached the quarterfinals in 2011.
The first semifinal pair was determined yesterday – Maria Sharapova vs. Eugenie Bouchard. (photo: Jimmie48)
It nice that both this ladies have made their first Grand Slam final. One had very injure prone couple years while the other just starting to rise up the ranks. Idk if either has chance to win Roland Garros should they encounter Maria Sharapova at finals.
Dxana, Maria has struggled a lot in her last two matches, although she traditionally stepped up when it mattered. By no means will she have an easy ride to the title.
Marija look quite the trend cause her match with Eugenie Bouchard is also went 3 sets and again she found way to prolong the match.
Dxana, true, that’s why we love Maria, because of the way she pulls through.
Such a hard one to pick a winner…
Halep is on the rise – her form is consistent as always & she has the intelligence to handle the big situation; definitely has the game & attitude to be a grand slam champ.
Sharapova is a champion – she’s proven time & time again this tournament that she’ll fight to the end & let no one get in her way; her advantage is she knows how to win the French Open & how it can be lost (which she wont want happening again!)
Bring on the final & may the best girl win…