And then there were four.
The women’s French Open semi-finals has quickly descended upon us.
Poland’s Iga Świątek continues to beat all that come before her and must surely be the overwhelming favourite to win her second Grand Slam title.
20th seed Daria Kasatkina stands in her way and will be looking to cause a major upset.
In the other semi, unfancied Italian Martina Trevisan of Italy will be looking to continue her fairy-tale run.
She goes up against teenager Coco Gauff.
Both players are at the furthest stage ever of a Grand Slam, so nerves will be high.
And our writers James Spencer and Tony Fairbairn have cast their predictions.
Iga Świątek (1) vs Daria Kasatkina (20)
Tony Fairbairn:
“Kasatkina will need to settle into the match quickly and serve better than she has done in her previous matches.
Świątek’s mix of aggression and variety has caused problems to her previous 33 opponents and I don’t see that changing here.”
Prediction: “Świątek in straight sets.”
James Spencer:
“Can anyone really beat Świątek when she’s in this kind of form?
With momentum on her side, it seems highly unlikely.
Kasatkina, like the other three semi-finalists, is in unchartered territory.
Of course, she has nothing to lose but does she really have the weapons to upset Świątek?”
Prediction: “I have to agree with Tony, Świątek in straight sets.”
Martina Trevisan vs Coco Gauff (18)
Tony Fairbairn:
“Gauff has the slight edge in terms of experience and confidence but both players will be nervous with a first grand slam final awaiting the winner.
The Italian’s confidence and aggression on clay could drive her to her 12th win in a row on clay and I think she has the edge tactically here.”
Prediction: “Trevisan in three sets.”
James Spencer:
“I mean this is a tough one to call.
Of course, at 28, Trevisan is the more experienced of the two.
But 18-year-old Coco is playing fearless right now.
And I think as much as the Italian seems at home on clay, I would favour the young American.
Her heart seems set on making her first Grand Slam final, and probably, the first of many.”
Prediction: “Gauff in 3 sets.”
