Hello and welcome to the highlights of the 2020 French Open women's singles semfinals.
Until then, it's goodbye. A Bientot!
ON SATURDAY SOFIA KENIN AND IGA SWIATEK WILL MEET IN THE WOMEN'S SINGLES FINAL.
SOFIA KENIN'S DREAM RUN IN 2020 CONTINUES! AFTER WINNING THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN, SHE WILL NOW PLAY THE ROLAND GARROS 2020 FINAL AND WILL BE THE FAVOURITE TO BAG HER SECOND GRAND SLAM TITLE!
GAME, SET AND MATCH!!! SOFIA KENIN WINS 6-4, 7-5
[ GAMES SCORE 7-5: GAME TO KENIN]
15-0 LONG FROM KVITOVA! Kenin inches closer to victory. 15-15 Did Kenin give up mid-way? Kenin's backhand cross court seemed to be falling wide but it lands on the line. Kvitova returns but Kenin loses her footing. 30-30 Well-struck service return from Kvitova, puts pressure on Kenin and the American nets the backhand. 30-40 HOW DID KVITOVA DO THAT? KVITOVA THREW THE KITCHEN SINK ON THE INSIDE OUT FOREHAND AND ABSOLUTELY NAILED IT!! BREAK POINT FOR THE TIE BREAK! DEUCE! Kvitova nets her return. ADV TO KENIN AND MATCH POINT TO KENIN! Kvitova hits her cross court backhand return wide. KVITOVA'S BACKHAND CROSS COURT FLIES WIDE AND KENIN MAKES THE FINAL!!
Kenin, once again, serving for the match!
[ GAMES SCORE 6-5: GAME TO KENIN]
0-30 Kenin's immaculate backhand cross court winner and even Kvitova applauds. Shot that good. 15-30 Kenin does so well to push Kvitova side to side and when the court was open, she overhit a regulation backhand drive. 15-40 Two break points for Kenin. 30-40 Kenin squanders the first. Unforced error as the ball lands wide of the sideline. GAME TO KENIN! Kvitova's miss is Kenin's gain!!
[ GAMES SCORE 5-5: GAME TO KVITOVA]
0-15 Kenin's return flies long of the baseline. 0-30 Same error again. 0-40 This time, Kenin nets her return. 3 BREAK POINTS FOR KVITOVA! 15-40 Kvitova's return fails to cross the net. KVITOVA BREAKS!!!! Kenin slams her backhand into the net.
Kenin serving for the match.
[ GAMES SCORE 5-4: GAME TO KVITOVA]
15-0 Kenin nets her return. 15-15 DOUBLE FAULT FROM KVITOVA! Her first of the match. 15-30 Kenin drawn forward, sees he space to slot her pass. 30-30 Kenin's service return drags wide. GAME TO KVITOVA! Excellent forehand down the line winner.
Kvitova serving to stay in the match.
[ GAMES SCORE 5-2: GAME TO KENIN]
0-15 Great back hand down the line winner from Kvitova. 15-15 This time, Kvitova overhits her return. 30-15 Brilliant backhand, cross court slice exchange between the two and Kenin eventully bags the point due to Kvitova sweeping the ball wide of the sideline. 40-15 Kvitova nets her return. GAME TO KENIN WITH AN ACE DOWN THE T.
[ GAMES SCORE 4-3: GAME TO KVITOVA]
Kvitova wraps up a quick service game. Love hold!
[ GAMES SCORE 4-2: GAME TO KENIN]
15-0 Kenin outlasts Kvitova in the point, who eventually hits a tired forehand into the net. 30-0 KENIN ruling the baseline game. Talk about cornering your opponent in Tennis. She keeps here opponent at bay . Keep 30-15 Double fault by Kenin. Her second of the match. 40-30. WOW! Kvitova swats the ball past Kenin with her cross court, forehand winner. DEUCE! Kenin gets caught up and hits here backhand return from the baseline wide of the sideline. ADV TO KVITOVA! No one expected the deep forehand, down the line return from Kvitova to land on the line, including her. DEUCE! Kvitova, in the next point, nets the return. ADV TO KVITOVA! Another double fault from Kenin. DEUCE! QUITE INCREDIBLE! SCINTILLATING SERVE DOWN THE T, LOOSE RETURN FROM KVITOVA AND THEN KENIN THWART THE BALL PAST KVITOVA WITH CROSS COURT FOREHAND. ADV TO KVITOVA! Again, Kenin nets the return. DEUCE! The game IS in its 10th minute now. Kvitova's return clips the net and falls comfortably enough fro Kenin to hit a winner past Kvitova down the left. ADV TO KVITOVA! WOW! A loopy second serve and Kvitova rides the corner on the return. DEUCE!!! KENIN HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONAL WHILE DEFENDING THE BREAK POINT!! Kvitova with a brilliant cross court drop shot but Kenin digs deep to send an equally good return for a passing winner. ADV TO KENIN! Very well measured this time. Cross court, backhand winner from the centre GAME TO KENIN!!! AT LAST, KENIN SEALS THE GAME! 11-MINUTE GAME THIS!
[ GAMES SCORE 3-2: GAME TO KENIN]
15-0 Brilliant again from Kvitova. Opens up the court with a great serve and then buries the point with a winner. 30-15 Luck favours Kvitova again. Kenin's return clips the net and falls comfortably for Kvitova, whose return is met by Kenin with a volley. However, the volley falls wide of the sideline. DEUCE!! Kenin holds on yet again. Kvitova is sent deep to her backhand and she only manages to return the forehand, down the line return wide of the sideline. ADV TO KENIN! Kvitova slams the return into the net. BREAK POINT! THAT IS SENSATIONAL FROM KENIN! WHAT A WAY TO SEAL THE BREAK POINT! Deep from the baseline, off her forehand, she finds enough time to put enough top-spin and airtime into her forehand return.
[ GAMES SCORE 2-2: GAME TO KENIN]
0-15 NICELY DONE! Kvitova mixes it up with a lovely cross court drop and Kenin fails to return it over the net. 15-15 Kvitova sweeps her backhand cross court wide. 15-30 Kenin's dropshot finds the net time time. 30-40 Loose return from Kenin, loopy and down the centre and Kvitova makes her punish by charging to the net for an inside out forehand winner. 40-40 DEUCE! Excellent second serve and Kvitova errors by shooting the return long. ADV TO KENIN! Great service play by Kenin. Sends Kvitova deep and then puts the ball into open court for the winner. DEUCE! Kenin drags her cross court, backhand return wide. GAME TO KENIN! BIG GAME TO KENIN! Kvitova slams the return into the net.
[ GAMES SCORE 1-2: GAME TO KVITOVA]
30-15 Kvitova slams the return into the net. 30-30 THAT'S BRILLIANT FROM KENIN! Kvitova sends Kenin deep on her forehand and forces a loose return. She charges to the net but ends up hitting it down the centre again. Kenin stands her ground and pulls off a brilliant forehand, down the line pass. GAME TO KVITOVA! Vintage Kvitova. Opens up the court with a marvellous serve and then presses forward to put the point to bed with a forehand winner.
[ GAMES SCORE 1-1: GAME TO KENIN]
The American holds to draw level.
[ GAMES SCORE 0-1: GAME TO KVITOVA]
Kvitov bags the first game.
Kvitova to set the ball rolling in set 2.
SOFIA KENIN WINS THE FIRST SET 6-4 IN 38 MINUTES!
[ GAMES SCORE 6-4: GAME TO KENIN]
0-15. Loose return from Kenin, slams the ball into the net. 0-30 CLASSIC KVITOVA! What a strike! Kvitova sends down a ferocious cross court, backhand winner past Kenin. 15-30 Classic Kvitova again! Goes for the glory shot on the serve return but her baakchand, down the line shot drags wide of the sideline. 30-30!!! THAT WAS BRILLIANT! Kenin pulls off a remarkable drop with a forehand slice and Kvitova has no chance. 40-30 SET POINT as Kvitova slams her return into the net. DEUCE! Double fault from Kvitova! First of the match. ADV TO KENIN! Kvitova swipes her cross court, forehand drive wide of the sideline. SET 1 TO KENIN!! Kvitova hits the service return long and that's that first set.
Kenin serving for the first set.
[ GAMES SCORE 5-4: GAME TO KVITOVA]
30-0 Open up the court with her serve and then hits the winner into open space. 40-0 Kvitova with an ace. GAME TO KVITOVA! LOVE HOLD as Kenin's return flies wide of th sideline.
Kvitova serving to stay in the first set.
[ GAMES SCORE 5-3: GAME TO KENIN]
30-40 BREAK POINT TO KVITOVA! Kvitova draws Kenin to the net, who squanders the winner by overhitting the return. DEUCE! Kenin draws back level with an ace. GAME TO KENIN as Kvitova drags the backhand drive long.
[ GAMES SCORE 4-3: GAME TO KVITOVA]
Kvitova continues to fight back. Caught the line on several occasions during the game but she is being made to work really, really hard.
[ GAMES SCORE 4-2: GAME TO KVITOVA]
Kvitova wins the game in extraordinary fashion. Kenin's backhand return clips the net and falls right in front of Kvitova, who taps the ball back, forcing Kenin to charge forward and hit the ball wide of the sideline.
[ GAMES SCORE 4-1: GAME TO KENIN]
DOUBLE BREAK TO THE AMERICAN! Kenin cruising in the first set here.
[ GAMES SCORE 3-1: GAME TO KENIN]
15-15 WOW! Kvitova swats the ball cross court off her forehand for the winner. 30-15 Kenin sends an ace down the T. GAME TO KENIN! She goes up a break.
[ GAMES SCORE 2-1: GAME TO KENIN]
15-0 That ball probably flew off to Court 1 at Roland-Garros. Kenin's backhand service return goes horribly wrong as the flies off the frame. 15-15 SUMPTUOUS! Kenin with a delightful backhand dropshot and Kvitova is unable to get to it on time. 15-30 Kvitova's backhand return drags long of the baseline. 15-40 Two break points for Kenin as Kvitova commits the same error. KENIN BREAKS! Three unforced errors in a row and three identical errors in a row.
[ GAMES SCORE 1-1: GAME TO KENIN]
15-0 Kvitova's service return flies long of the baseline. 30-0 This time, the ball flies of Kvitova's racquet frame. 30-15 Kvitova's service return is deep and Kenin goes low for the return at the baseline but finds the net. 40-15 Kvitova's service reutrn slams into the net. 40-30 Good ball striking from Kvitova. Sends Kenin deep to her forehand, whose returns fails to cross the net. GAME! Oooh, that was close. Kenin's backhand return down the centre just catches the baseline.
[ GAMES SCORE 0-1: GAME TO KVITOVA]
A comfortable hold-to-love for Kvitova as she bags the opening game.
Kvitova to serve first. LET'S PLAY!!
Lots to play for
Neither players have made it past the semifinals stage at Roland Garros.
Neither players have won the French Open title. Sofia Kenin is the reigning Australian Open champion, while Kvitovai is a two-time Wimbledon champion.
The players have walked out. Kvitova followed by Kenin.
LIVE UPDATES:
Here's the preview in numbers:
A look at the key facts and records of American Sofia Kenin and Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova before their French Open semi-final on Thursday (prefix number denotes seeding):
4-SOFIA KENIN
Age: 21
WTA ranking: 6 (Highest ranking: 4)
Grand Slam titles: 1 (Australian Open 2020)
Career WTA titles: 5
2019 French Open performance: Fourth round
Best French Open performance: Semifinals (2020)
ROAD TO FINAL
First round: Ludmilla Samsonova (Russia) 6-4 3-6 6-3
Second round: Ana Bogdan (Romania) 3-6 6-3 6-2
Third round: Irina Bara (Romania) 6-2 6-0
Fourth round: Fiona Ferro (France) 2-6 6-2 6-1
Quarterfinals: Danielle Collins (U.S.) 6-4 4-6 6-0
The reigning Australian Open champion reached the French Open semi-finals for the first time in her career with a battling victory over American compatriot Danielle Collins.
Kenin has won four out of her five matches at Roland Garros in three sets and faces another potentially tough test against Kvitova, who has beaten her in their two previous meetings.
7-PETRA KVITOVA
Age: 30
WTA ranking: 11 (Highest ranking: 2)
Grand Slam titles: 2 (Wimbledon 2011, 2014)
Career WTA titles: 27
2019 French Open performance: Did not play
Best French Open performance: Semifinals (2020, 2012)
ROAD TO FINAL
First round: Oceane Dodin (France) 6-3 7-5
Second round: Jasmine Paolini (Italy) 6-3 6-3
Third round: Leylah Fernandez (Canada) 7-5 6-3
Fourth round: Zhang Shuai (China) 6-2 6-4
Quarter-finals: Laura Siegemund (Germany) 6-3 6-3
Kvitova is seeking a first crown at Roland Garros, where she made an emotional return to professional tennis three years ago after six months out following a burglar attack at home that left her with damaged nerves and tendons in her left hand.
She has looked in ominous form in Paris, reaching her second semi-final at the Grand Slam after a gap of eight years and is yet to lose a set at this year's tournament.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: Kvitova leads 2-0
2019 Kvitova d Kenin 6-1 6-4 (Madrid Masters, clay)
2018 Kvitova d Kenin 3-6 6-2 6-4
DO NOT GO ANYWHERE! Next up, we have two Grand Slams champions facing off for a spot in the final.
=============================
SWIATEK IS THE FIRST-EVER PLAYER FROM POLAND TO ADVANCE TO THE ROLAND GARROS FINAL!
IGA SWIATEK BEATS NADIA PODOROSKA 6-2, 6-2 IN 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES
THE 19-YEAR-OLD POLE IS THROUGH TO THE ROLAND GARROS FINAL!!!!
[ GAMES SCORE 6-1: GAME TO SWIATEK]
GAME, SET AND MATCH!! Nadia's service return slams into the net and it's victory to the 19-year-old Pole.
15-15 Good control on the approach from Podoroska. Her forehand slice is good enough for Swiatek to drop the point. 30-15 Brilliant response as Swiatek sends down a ferocious backhand, down the line winner. 40-15 SWIATEK CATCHES THE LINE ON HER RETURN AND HAS TWO MATCH POINTS!
Swiatek to serve for a place in the final
[ GAMES SCORE 5-1: GAME TO SWIATEK]
0-15. Bizarre! What happened there? A fierce baseline exchange between the two semifinalists and Podoroska tries to press but squanders her chance of hitting a forehand, down the line winner by slamming the drive into the net. 15-40 JUST IN!! A sizzling backhand, cross court winner catches the sideline. GAME TO SWIATEK!
[ GAMES SCORE 4-1: GAME TO PODOROSKA]
15-15. Swiatek with an overhead smash winner after pushing Podorska deep on her backhand. The return wasn't too bad but the kind of form Swiatek has been in today, she was not going to miss out. 30-40 A rare break-point opportunity for Podoroska and she lets out a huge cry after Swiatek slams here backhand, cross court drive into the net. DEUCE! Brilliant from Swiatek again. Sends down a vicious serve to Podoroska's backhand and then hustles to the court for a cross court, forehand volley. Podoroska darts to the other side of the court for an attempted forehand, down the line pass but hits it way over the baseline. ADV TO POD Brilliant winner off the forehand. DEUCE! Another let off for Swiatek as Podoroska's service return fails to cross the net. BREAK POINT NO.3 FOR PODOROSKA Swiatek zips to the net but her backhand volely ends up into the net. DEUCE! Another unforced error from Podoroska and another let off for Swiatek. ADV TO PODOROSKA! Too tentative on the volley and she paid the price. The exchange at the net ends in Swiatek's backhand volley falling just wide of the sideline. CAN PODOROSKA WIN THIS GAME? YES SHE CAN! AT LAST, PODOROSKA WINS A GAME IN SET 2. THAT GAME LAST OVER 8 MINUTES! Swiatek's return flies long off the baseline.
[ GAMES SCORE 4-0: GAME TO SWIATEK]
30-40 LOBS OVER PODOROSKA! Podoroksa draws the Pole forward, but the latter is up to the task with a scintillating lob. GAME Podoroska's backhand down the line flies long.
[ GAMES SCORE 3-0: GAME TO SWIATEK]
Swiatek is cruising now. What a dominating hold to go up 3-0. At the moment, Podoroska looks clueless and down and out.
[ GAMES SCORE 2-0: GAME TO SWIATEK]
30-0 Podoroska starts off the game well. 30-15 Once again, Swiatek uses the forehand down the line effectively, sends Podoroska deep on her forehand. She lobs the return, but drags it wide of the sideline. 30-30 Another unforced error from Podorska. She tries to find the corner of the baseline with her cross court forehand return but overhits it over the baseline. 30-40 what a return! Makes the most of a below-par second serve and puts the point to bed with a lovely backhand, cross court winner. DEUCE! Once again, Podoroska, after a backhand, down the line return, charges to the net and as a result Swiatek slams here return into the net. ADV TO SWIATEK! AND SHE BREAKS! Podoroska is caught wrong-footed as she is unable to even move towards Swiatek's forehand, down the line winner.
[ GAMES SCORE 1-0: GAME TO SWIATEK]
And a comfortable hold for Swiatek, another strong opening game. Using the forehand effectively.
SWIATEK STARTS THE SECOND SET
A convincing first set from Swiatek. Extremely good on the press, creating good angles and Podoroska under pressure.
SWIATEK WINS THE FIRST SET 6-2
[ GAMES SCORE 6-2: GAME TO SWIATEK]
0-15. A wild, wild inside-out forehand from Podoroska and the balls lands wide on the left. 15-15 Much better from Podoroska. Gives her down the line forehand enough top-spin and airtime to catch the corner of the baseline. 15-30 This time, she overhits her return. 15-40 Two set points to Swiatek. 30-40 Loose dropshot off the backhand is comfortable enough fro Podoroska to charge to the net and bury the winner. DEUCE! Off the frame of Swiatek's racquet and ball flies into the stands. ADV TO SW and another set point. Podoroska's attempted backhand pass return flies wide. SET TO SWIATEK! 35 MINUTES! TWO BREAK POINTS! Podoroska's powerful backhand down the line drive slams into the net.
[ GAMES SCORE 5-2: GAME TO SWIATEK]
15-0 JUST CATCHES THE BASELINE! Swiatek's high forehand drive lands on the baseline. 30-0 The wind playing its part again? Podoroska's heavy forehand top-spin return flies long of the baseline. 40-0 Swiatek approaches the net, her backhand half-volley sends Podoroska wide on her backhand and she ends up hitting the ball into the net. GAME! Swiatek with a comfortable hold-to-love. A huge serve to Podoroska's backhand and then a huge forehand inside-out winner past the same side.
[ GAMES SCORE 4-2: GAME TO PODOROSKA]
0-15 The angled forehand from Swiatek is working just fine for the Pole teenager today. Podoroska is forced wide and she can only manage a weak, lobby return. Swiatek charges to the net and finishes the point with a volley. 15-15 Swiatek's return flies long. 30-15 Swiatek's attempted backhand pass finds the net. Podoroska's love for the net may have out pressure on Swiatek. GAME TO POD. A huge serve forces a loose return from Swiatek and then Podoroska uses her strong, down the line forehand to win the point and the game.
[ GAMES SCORE 4-1: GAME TO SWIATEK]
30-15 BRILLIANT RETURN FROM PODOROSKA! Podoroska goes around the ball, converts the backhand into a forehand and puts enough power behind her down the line to bag the point. 30-30. 30-40 Chance for Podoroska to break back. 40-40 Not this time. Once again, she goes around the ball, seeking a cross-court forehand winner but ends up dragging it wide. ADV TO SW Another unforced error from Podoroska. Almost trying too hard to press here as her forehand cross-court drifts wide. GAME! Swiatek saves the break point with a cross-court winner.
[ GAMES SCORE 3-1: GAME TO PODOROSKA]
30-30 That ball died on the way to Podoroska after Swiatek's backhand. Which is why Podoroska could not get enough elevation and the ball ended up in the net. 40-30 Game point to Podoroska as he charges closer to the net for a forehand cross-court winner. DEUCE Almost! Podoroska, who has had immense success with the dropshots this tournament, tries one but mistimes it. ADV TO POD Swiatek with a slice off her backhand and then tries to lob Podoroska, but the ball flies long. GAME TO PODOROSKA
[ GAMES SCORE 3-0: GAME TO SWIATEK]
30-0 Another unforced error from Podorska as she is finding it difficult to control her backhands. Yet another one flying long. 30-15 This time, she approaches the net and digs the ball past Swiatek for the winner. 40-15 Swiatek is powering her way past Podoroska so far. Power and accuracy as her heavy forehand drive is too powerful for Podoroska to return over the net. GAME: Swiatek sends Podoroska deep to her forehand and then puts the point to bed by apporaching the net for a backhand winner.
[ GAMES SCORE 2-0: SWIATEK BREAKS ]
0-15. Swiatek goes around the return to send Podoroska deep with her backhand, who only manages to find the net. 0-40 Swiatek has started really well. She drills a vicious forehand down the line and now has three break points. 15-40 She goes for the glory shot, forehand drive near the net, but ends up slamming it into the net. GAME TO SWIATEK, SHE BREAKS as Podoroska's bakchand return flies wide.
[ GAMES SCORE 1-0: GAME SWIATEK! ]
0-15 Swiatek drags her forehand down the line wide on the right. 0-30 Podoroska's drop shot draws Swiatek forward and then she does the rest by finishing the volley for the winner. 15-30 . Podoroska's backhand falls long of the baseline . 30-30 Swiatek opens up the court with a great serve and then puts the point to bed with a forehand cross-court winner. 40-30 Swiatek, this time, goes across the court with her forehand for the winner. 40-40 Unforced error from Swiatek as she overhits her backhand. ADV -Swiatek Podoroska's backhand return slams into the net. GAME 1 TO SWIATEK. Podoroska is unable to contain her backhand return and ends up hitting it over the baseline.
SWIATEK TO SERVE FIRST
Next up, in all white, Iga Swiatek.
The players are now walking out. First up, we have Nadia Podoroska walking out in all blue.
It's time for Iga Swiatek vs Nadia Podorsoka.
When you talk of Grand Slam semifinals, you expect to see familiar names. Names of previous champions, top-ranked players and the veterans.
But the first women's singles semifinals today features two first-time Roland Garros semifinalists.
LIVE UPDATES:
HEAD-TO-HEAD : First meeting
SWIATEK VS PODOROSKA PREVIEW IN NUMBERS:
A look at the key facts and records of Poland's Iga Swiatek and Argentina's Nadia Podoroska before their French Open semifinal on Thursday (prefix number denotes seeding):
IGA SWIATEK
Age: 19
WTA ranking: 54 (Highest ranking: 48)
Grand Slam titles: 0
Career WTA titles: 0
2019 French Open performance: Fourth round
Best French Open performance: Semi-finals (2020)
ROAD TO FINAL
First round: 15-Marketa Vondrousova (Czech Republic) 6-1 6-2
Second round: Hsieh Su-wei (Taiwan) 6-1 6-4
Third round: Eugenie Bouchard (Canada) 6-3 6-2
Fourth round: 1-Simona Halep (Romania) 6-1 6-2
Quarterfinals: Martina Trevisan (Italy) 6-3 6-1
The Polish teenager became the first woman from her country to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros since 1939, when she beat Italian qualifier Martina Trevisan in the last-eight.
Swiatek, who has never won a WTA title, is being touted as one of the favourites for the French Open crown after she eased past top seed Simona Halep in the fourth round.
NADIA PODOROSKA
Age: 23
WTA ranking: 131 (Highest ranking: 130)
Grand Slam titles: 0
Career WTA titles: 0
2019 French Open performance: Did not play
Best French Open performance: Semifinals (2020)
ROAD TO FINAL
First round: Greet Minnen (Belgium) 6-2 6-1
Second round: 23-Yulia Putintseva (Kazakhstan) 6-3 1-6 6-2
Third round: Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (Slovakia) 6-3 6-2
Fourth round: Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic) 2-6 6-2 6-3
Quarterfinals: 3-Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 6-2 6-4
The Argentine beat third seed Elina Svitolina to become the first woman qualifier to make the Roland Garros semis. Another win will make her the first female qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final since tennis turned professional in 1968.
Podoroska, who is currently on a 13-match winning streak, won the Saint Malo Open - an ITF World Tour tournament - to reach a career-high world ranking of 130 last month after dropping to 508 two years ago.
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