Semifinal #1:

[1] Serena Williams (USA) vs [12] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN)

These two put on one incredible match in Montreal last week.  Wozniacki just beat Radwanska who won Montreal.  Serena is playing her third consecutive week of tennis on the WTA Tour.  I am torn on this match. Wozniacki is playing her best tennis in 2 or 3 years at the moment and that has to have her feeling renewed and confident.  Serena may not want to bookend a Montreal semifinal finish with two full weeks of tennis.  I am leaning ever so slightly toward an upset.  I know Serena has mastered Sharapova since 2005, but I am not sure she wants to use her full reserves in a three-week period only to perhaps loose to Sharapova prior to the US Open.  Wozniacki is also on such a roll as of late that I think she squares her summer series with Serena 1-1.

Prediction: Caroline Wozniacki d. Serena Williams 6-4, 3-6, 6-4

Semifinal #2:

[5] Maria Sharapova (RUS)  vs [9] Ana Ivanovic (SRB)

Ana Ivanovic has had a nice 2014 campaign.  She simply matches up quite poorly with Maria Sharapova.  I think Sharapova will be able to dictate play enough to not have to worry about her movement being exposed. For Ivanovic to win, she will need to extend points and hit behind Sharapova at opportune moments.  Also, Ivanovic will have to serve well enough to neutralize Sharapova’s big swinging return game.  I just can’t imagine that happening often enough for Ivanovic to win.

Prediction: Maria Sharapova d. Ana Ivanovic 6-4, 6-2