French Open Womens Semifinals Preview

#17 seed Francesca Schiavone  vs.  #5 seed Elena Dementieva
Going into this tournament, Elena Dementieva was having a terrible year, by her standards.  Nobody, including myself expected her to do a lot at Roland Garros.  But with the luck of a few upsets in her half of the draw and playing herself into form she has reached the semifinals.  A little luck was involved in that Nadia Petrova (#19)  was the only seeded player she had to defeat to make it this far.  Dementieva's serve still isn't that good, but her ground strokes and movement are her strengths, which she will rely on heavily against a more powerful Schiavone.

Francesca Schiavone is about to turn 30 years old and this is her first ever Grand Slam semifinal.  Schiavone has had a tougher road than Dementieva, to get to the semifinals.  Scheeeever had to defeat 3 seeded players in Na Li, Maria Kirilenko, and #3 Caroline Wozniacki.  So she is tournament tested and ready for a player of Dementieva's pedigree.  She'll have to work through the nerves of being in her first ever semifinal, which could be a disadvantage to her, but Dementieva isn't the most calm and collected player either.  Dementieva isn't above getting nervous in big matches causing her to crash and burn.

I'll be rooting for Dementieva to win this match, because I think she is probably one of the classiest and nicest players playing.  But I have this vibe that Schiavone, who has been in better playing form the past few months will pull the upset.  Dementieva's lack of matches and previous poor play will come back to bite her, as Schiavone wins in 3 sets.

My Pick- SCHIAVONE
RESULT-  Francesca Schiavone 7-6 (ret.)


#7 seed Samantha Stosur  vs.  #4 seed Jelena Jankovic. 
Samantha Stosur has been on fire during the clay season.  She has the most wins on clay during this year's clay court season.  Being in top form put her in the position to take out Justine Henin and Serena Williams in back-to-back matches.  Stosur reached the semifinals of the French Open last year, so nerves shouldn't be a big issue with her.  If she can keep her head against both Henin and Serena in pivotal 3rd sets, her mental toughness is right were it should be.

Jelena Jankovic is the definition of steady.  She keeps plugging along winning matches.  She isn't the flashiest (well other than her bright yellow dress) player around.  She is a defensive grinder who is quick and will run down anything you throw at her.  Jankovic has been blessed with a kind draw only having to beat 2 seeds to reach the semifinal round.  Them 2 seeds were Alona Bondarenka and Daniela Hantuchova.  Bondarenko has been terrible and injury ridden all year, and Hantuchova is a solid player, but she doesn't strike fear in anyone anymore.  For Jankovic to have a chance in this match, she'll have to remain focused, which can be hard for her.  She seems to let her mind wander and let the smallest of issues bother her.

Stosur has been on a roll, and I don't think she is about to stop.  Jankovic's movement and experience will be a tough test for her, but Sam Stosur's amazing stretch of beating Henin and Serena will add another player in Jankovic.  Samantha Stosur will advance with a straight set win.

My Pick- STOSUR
RESULT-   Samantha Stosur 6-1, 6-2.