Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) vs. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) [30]

This half of the draw went as far away from form as possible.  The #30 seed is the numeric favorite vs. an unseeded opponent.  Both players have perhaps altered their careers with this semifinal run.  I think Bacsinszky has a bit more momentum heading into this match as she pushed back a crowd favorite in the quarterfinal round.  I also think she can do enough with her game to make the pressure shift at key times across the net.  That makes her a slight favorite to advance.  I give Bacsinszky a 55-60% chance of reaching her first major final.

Simona Halep (ROU) [3] vs. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) [2]

This side of the draw held form as the top 2 seeds reached the semifinal round.  Pliskova represents a familiar test to Halep.  Pliskova serves well and hits clean fairly flat ground strokes.  Pliskova is tall and moves well, but not as well as Halep.  In terms of clay acumen, I think Halep is the clear favorite.  However, on every other surface I would give a 50% or better chance to Pliskova vs. Halep due to Pliskova’s ability to dictate play. My gut says Pliskova, and my head says Halep.  As I think Big Data is overrated, I will go with my gut.  Pliskova has a 55% chance of winning this match.