A couple of semi-final picks from Paris today, and honestly both of these are interesting for different reasons. We've got a ranking mismatch that the results haven't backed up yet, and a potential upset that nobody really saw coming this week.
WTA French Open Predictions
Marta Kostyuk vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-head: Kostyuk 2-0 Andreeva
That H2H is the key detail here. Kostyuk has beaten Andreeva twice already, and the younger Russian has yet to figure out how to handle her. Kostyuk's flat, penetrating ball can rush Andreeva before she gets into her preferred rhythm of long, physical rallies, and that's been the story both times they've played.
That said, Andreeva is ranked higher for a reason and has been more consistent across the season. Clay does slow things down enough that she gets more time to work with, and I think the semi-final stage suits her mentally, having been here before. Kostyuk will make it tough, but Andreeva finds a way through in three, all things considered.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Diana Shnaider vs Maja Chwalinska
Head-to-head: Shnaider 1-0 Chwalinska
On paper this is a huge mismatch. Shnaider is ranked inside the top 25 and Chwalinska is at 114, and Shnaider already has the win between them. Hard to see Chwalinska doing much with this, but she has clearly been playing the tennis of her life this week to reach a semi-final at this level and momentum is real.
Shnaider's power off the ground is massive on any surface, and she should have every advantage here. But something feels off about backing her to close this out cleanly, and Chwalinska wins in three.
Prediction: Chwalinska in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Loic Baratoux/ZUMA Press Wire