World No.1 Rafael Nadal will face his biggest test at this year’s French Open when he takes on Juan Martin del Potro in today’s men’s singles semi-final.
The Spaniard, a ten-time champion at Roland-Garros, battled through to the final four with victory against Argentine Diego Schwartzman in the quarters. Fifth seed Del Potro progressed to the semi-finals after beating Marin Cilic.
The Nadal vs. Del Potro match is being billed as a “clash of the titans” and the winner will face No.7 seed Dominic Thiem in the final on Sunday.
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In today’s first men’s semi-final Thiem ended Marco Cecchinato’s dream run at the French Open. Unseeded Italian Cecchinato beat Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals but Thiem was too strong with the Austrian progressing 7-5, 7-6 (12-10), 6-1.
Speaking to the BBC after his victory, Thiem said: “The big key was the second-set tie-break because it was very close and I saved I think three set points. If I lost that tie-break it would have been a very close match and I didn’t want that.
“Of course it’s very important to have a good recovery now. I’ll watch the other semi-final to study my opponent and then it’s full power on Sunday.”
Halep sets up final clash against Stephens
World No.1 Simona Halep will play Sloane Stephens in tomorrow’s French Open women’s final. Romanian Halep, who is chasing her first Grand Slam title, beat Spain’s Garbine Muguruza 6-1, 6-4 in yesterday’s semi-final.
Reigning US Open champion Stephens defeated fellow American Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 in the other last-four clash.
The women’s final takes place on Court Philippe-Chatrier tomorrow at 2pm.
Today at Roland-Garros
Men’s semi-finals (UK time; seeds in brackets)
- Dominic Thiem (7) beat Marco Cecchinato 7-5, 7-6 (12-10), 6-1
- Rafael Nadal (1) vs. Juan Martin del Potro (5)
Tomorrow at Roland Garros
Women’s final (UK time; seeds in brackets)
- 2pm: Simona Halep (1) vs. Sloane Stephens (10)
2018 French Open guide
- When: Sunday 27 May to Sunday 10 June
- Where: Roland-Garros, Paris, France
- Surface: clay
- Official website: rolandgarros.com
Draws
- For the full women’s singles draw see rolandgarros.com
- For the full men’s singles draw see rolandgarros.com
Who are the defending champions?
Spain’s Rafael Nadal is the reigning French Open men’s singles champion, while Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko won the women’s singles title last year.
When are the French Open finals?
The French Open women’s singles final is on Saturday 9 June and the men’s final is a day later on 10 June.
How to watch the French Open on TV in the UK
ITV 4 will show free-to-air coverage of the 2018 French Open from Paris. ITV’s coverage will be presented by John Inverdale who will be joined by 18-time Grand Slam winner Martina Navratilova, Marion Bartoli, Jim Courier, Mark Petchey, Fabrice Santoro and Sam Smith. The broadcaster will also live stream the action on ITV Hub.
French Open betting odds
Latest prices according to Oddschecker (as of 8 June).
Men’s singles winner:
- Rafael Nadal: 1/3
- Dominic Thiem: 4/1
- Juan Martin del Potro: 14/1
Women’s singles winner:
- Simona Halep: 4/9
- Sloane Stephens: 7/2
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