2020 French Open women’s semi-finals
Iga Swiatek v Nadia Podoroska
Petra Kvitova v Sofia Kenin
Head to Head
Sofia Kenin v Petra Kvitova
Kivtova leads their head-to-head between these two 2-0. In Miami to years ago over three sets, and in straight sets on clay in Madrid in 2019.
But Kenin has come a long way since that Madrid encounter.
Kvitova has had an extra day off and has yet to drop a set, but Kenin may be seen as more battle hardened, given four of her five matches have gone to three sets.
Kenin’s game has steadily improved through the tournament and she has averaged 14 winners per set.
The deciding set against Danielle Collins in the quarters saw some super tennis from The Australian Open champion.
But Kvitova is still the favourite – because of her left hand serve and strong forehand.
For the statisticians. Kvitova wins 91% of matches in her career when she wins the first set.
Iga Swiatek v Nadia Podoroska
These two have never met before and for both it is a first semifinal at a slam event.
The teenage sensation from Poland has been unplayable at times during this event, averaging only two games lost per set.
She upset top-seeded Simona Halep, allowing the 2018 champion just three games. That is worth noting when we look for any favouritism.
He net play is superb and she has won 80% of points when moving forward.
Her other great strength is her groundstrokes that floored Halep, strong and powerful.
Podoroska has had an equally amazing run to the semis.
The qualifier has won eight straight matches since the first round of qualifying 16 days ago.
No qualifier has ever made a WTA slam final.
She will be considered the underdog – but remember last year – Marketa Vondrousova.
Swiatek is the favourite, at just 19, and remember, she loves to play Gins and Roses loud in the locker room before she starts a match.
