French Open men and women’s semi-finals: Djokovic, Murray and Williams all in action

Novak Djokovic v Dominic Thiem

Austria’s Thiem (13/2 match shout) has certainly lived up to the hype and capitalised on his fine form in the build-up to the French Open by reaching his first ever Grand Slam semi-final.

He now faces the daunting task of going up against dominant world number one Djokovic (heavy 1/12 favourite), who is determined to finally claim a French Open title to complete the career Grand Slam.

The Serb (11/4 to win 3-1), who has beaten Thiem in both their previous meetings, however, nearly let his emotions coast him a place in the semis, as he almost hit an official after throwing his racket.

Thankfully for Djokovic, it just missed, and he said on the matter: “I am aware that I have been lucky. It was just some unfortunate bounce, but fortunate ending of the scenario. That’s all I can say.”

Women’s singles semis

Garbine Muguruza v Sam Stosur

Venezuelan-born Spaniard Muguruza (1/3 favourite) is on course for her second Grand Slam final, and first at the French Open, but has been tasked to come through 2010 runner-up Stosur (12/5).

The evergreen Australian has in fact won their only meeting, which happened to be on clay at the 2014 Madrid Masters in three sets, so is 9/2 to triumph 2-1 again.

If you fancy this match to either way, then why not take odds of 11/8 for there to be over 2.5 sets?

Serena Williams v Kiki Bertens

Defending women’s champion Serena (1/6 favourite) had to come from a set behind in her semi-final with Kazakh Yulia Putintseva, but took the last two with relative ease to set up a last four duel with Bertens (4/1).

The Dutchwoman had never even reached a Grand Slam quarter-final before this tournament but now faces the daunting task of taking on one of the all-time tennis greats.

Williams won their only meeting to date in straight sets at the US Open last year, but had to come through a tiebreak in the opener, so a 2-1 victory in her favour this time is 3/1.

All signs look promising for the American to claim a 22nd Grand Slam title, and she is the odds-on favourite at 8/13 to do so.

Related

Be sure to visit Coral’s tennis page throughout the French Open and Wimbledon for more tips and previews.

Coral’s top tip: Murray is a tasty 5/1 price to beat Wawrinka 3-2.