PARIS, June 6, 2017
On a rain interrupted quarterfinals Tuesday at Roland-Garros, only two women’s singles matches could be finished with the outcome that two birthday girls will face off in the stage of the final four.
Timea Bacsinszky from Switzerland advanced to her second French Open semi-final with a 6-4, 6-4 upset of 13th seed Kristina Mladenovic of France. The 30th seed is no stranger to a Roland-Garros semi-final, having reached the last four two years ago.
“It was really difficult because we had all the seasons rolled into one today. We had a sand storm, a hurricane and we almost had snow too. It was really tough to keep my concentration all day long. I feel exhausted and I’m sure you do too (to the crowd). I’m really sorry to have knocked out the penultimate French representation. I’m really happy and proud. For many years, big things have happened for me at Roland-Garros. I’m really happy to be through to my second semi-final here. I feel really privileged,” Bacsinszky said.
19-year-old Jelena Ostapenko battled past former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, rallying 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 to set a date with Bacsinszky in her maiden Grand Slam semi-final.
“I’m really happy I still can’t believe it. I’m really happy to play here, it’s an amazing tournament. I love you guys, thanks,” Ostapenko told during her on-court interview. She is the first Latvian woman to advance to the stage of the final four of the French Open in the Open Era.
“It was tough because we had to go away two times from the court. Caroline is a tough opponent. She was playing great. I had to stay aggressive. I was missing sometimes but in the end it worked out. It will be really great to play here when it will be my birthday. I hope I can enjoy it.”
Ostapenko got her third win over Wozniacki this year.
“I think she’s played very well every time she plays me. She goes for her shots. Her shots are hard to read, so you don’t really feel comfortable at any point in the match,” Wozniacki had to admit.
Men’s quarterfinals matches had to be postponed to Wednesday.
