Predicted Winners in BOLD

Court Philippe Chatrier (not before 3 p.m.)

[7] Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs [18] Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) – Are they friends? Do either want to have friends on the WTA?  …. I don’t really care about any of those memes surrounding this match.  I think two keys exist for this match: 1.  Who will handle the situation better? (evidence suggests Sharapova will) and 2.  Who will move better? (Bouchard can put Maria on the defensive and make the Russian’s movement a factor)  Sharapova faced tough situations in her previous two matches but found a way to move from playing defensive tennis to offensive tennis.  I think Bouchard is capable of winning this match, but Sharapova has shown an ability to navigate her way out of tough situations.  Prediction: Sharapova d. Bouchard 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 

[4] Simona Halep (ROU) vs [28] Andrea Petkovic (GER) – Halep has been very strong except perhaps when serving for a spot in the semifinal.  Petkovic handled Errani by bullying her.  I am not sure how well that will work vs. Halep.  They both enter the semifinal after having a solid day of tennis today.  Petkovic has overcome serious injuries, and Halep is a rising star on the WTA.  I think so long as the situation does not get the better of Halep she is a solid pick to advance to her first Grand Slam final.  Prediction: Halep d. Petkovic 6-3, 7-5