History beckons on day 12 at the French Open. With four different countries being represented in the women’s draw, numerous national records could be broken. The Czech Republic could have their first world No.1, Latvia could have their first grand slam finalist in the Open Era and Switzerland are closing in on having their first Female French Open champion since 1945.
With so much at stake, these are the three stories to follow during the women’s semifinals on Thursday at Roland Garros.
The No.1 position
Thursday’s semifinal between Pliskova and Halep could change the top of the WTA rankings. The second and third seeds are both in with a chance of clinching top spot. Pliskova has the easiest route out of the two. A sole win over Halep would see her become the first ever Czech player to become world No.1. Czech born Martina Navratilova had already switched allegiance to America when she achieved the accomplishment.
“Now it’s close, but it’s close and it’s far, as well, because I’m playing against somebody who I would say one of the best girls on clay. It’s not like you’re going to get it for free.” Pliskova said when asked about the No.1 position.
Halep is required to defeat Pliskova and go on to win the title if she wishes to reach the top. She is also bidding to become the first player from her country to achieve the milestone. Should Halep win on Thursday and loose in the final, Kerber will retain her No.1 position.
In the other semifinal, the winner of Bacsinszky and Ostapenko will rise into the world’s top-20. If Ostapenko was to win, it would be her first time in the top-20.
The race to Singapore
There will be a change in the Porsche Race to Singapore regardless of which players progress to the final. All four players could potentially move into the top eight depending on how they perform.
The winner of the match between Pliskova and Halep will clinch first place regardless of who they will play in the final. The two will only secured both top two positions if Halep wins. If Pliskova was to triumph, Elina Svitolina will hold on to her second place.
20-year-old Ostapenko could become the youngest player to reach the top eight if she reaches the final. If she loses, the Latvian will still rise from 25th to 10th. In contrast, Bascinszky’s only chance of cracking the top-eight will be if she was to win the title. She will move to 16th with a semifinal loss and ninth if she reaches the final.
Potential outcomes
A maiden grand slam title
This year’s French Open made history with all eight quarterfinalists in the women’s draw seeking their first grand slam title. It was the first time this has happened a major tournament since the 1979 Australian Open.
As far as experience in concerned, only two players have previously played in a major final. Halep lost to Maria Sharapova at the 2014 French Open and Pliskova was second best to Kerber at last year’s US Open. Bacsinszky and Ostapenko are yet to play a major final and are bidding to become the first female player from their countries to win the French Open in the Open Era.
This year’s champion will be the 46th different winner in the Open Era of the women’s game.
How does their grand slam records compare?
Halep – win-loss of 53-27 (66% winning rate)
Pliskova – win – Loss of 28-19 (60% winning rate)
Bacsinszky – win-loss of 38-28 (58% winning rate)
Ostapenko – win-loss of 9-7 (56% winning rate)
