Men’s QF catch-up
Firstly, the men had some unfinished business today. Nadal was in big trouble yesterday against Schwartzman and started today a set down. But a quick couple of points soon made it honours even and from there the ten time champion never really looked like struggling.
A shame perhaps but it sets up a humdinger of a semi-final tomorrow as Del Porto silenced a feisty Cilic in four fine quality sets. The Croat plays such attractive stuff with clean crisp winners and incredible touch. But Juan-Martin is hitting big once more. That forehand pace is something to behold and proved a weapon today, not on outright winners perhaps, but as a reliable leveller against an opponent who would produce the sublime alongside the forlorn.
Men’s SF predictions
Nadal to beat Del-Potro in 4
Thiem to beat Cecchinato in 3
Women’s SF review
Halep def Muguruza 6-1, 6-4
Simona started brilliantly against a nervous opponent. Hitting big, the Romanian was 4-0 up in only 20 minutes, by the time Garbine began to find her feet, it was a 6-1 rout.
The 2016 champion found her range in the second set and was up a break at 4-3, but wilted again as her opponent’s resurgence left the result in no doubt once more.
A noisy match full of emotion and nervous energy and some great, punishing rallies.
Stephens def Keys 6-4, 6-4
In a quieter contest, Sloane Stephens picked apart her friend Madison Keys with clinical poise. The backhand down the line did the most damage time and time again. A suppressed power game from both women produced some lovely exchanges but none of the emotion of the other semi.
Keys will be disappointed that this match up still produces much mental fog, Stephens will no doubt be (typically) quietly confident.
All Things Tennis 