Thursday belongs first and foremost to the ladies and the doubles: In both competitions there are three semi-finals in total. Oliver Marach has to wait.
By Jens Huiber from Paris
Thiem-Watch: Dominic Thiem moved his training from Jean Bouin to the Stade Roland Garros, Court 3 on Wednesday, the life expectancy of this course is rather low, the adjacent 2-man has fallen victim to the passage of time. Too tight, too short.
Thiem has practiced again with the hitting partner who has already prepared him for his match against Alexander Zverev. Galo Blanko and Günter Bresnik watched – as did an astonishing number of fans, who allowed themselves the training of the now three-time semi-finalist of the French Open from 1 pm.
Patrick Mouratoglou, not only academy operator and coach of Serena Williams, but also expert for several TV stations. Mouratoglou explained the advantages of Thiem’s game, the Austrian showed them in the background. Special attention is paid to the backhand along the line.
Match of the day, one: Sloane Stephens vs. Madison Keys. Nine games. So few have won Madison Keys in her two matches against her countrywoman and, as far as it is possible in professional sport, her friend so far. A third of them in last year’s US Open final. A glimmer of hope on the horizon: The first encounter on sand is still to come. Both players spread charm and good humour at the press conferences, and Miss Stephens left a rather unpleasant impression during Wednesday’s training on Court 4.
Match of the day, two: Garbine Muguruza vs. Simona Halep. After her performances so far, the Spaniard has to go into the match as the favourite. So, according to the record against Halep. 3-1 for Muguruza, most recently in Cincinnati, she only allowed the Romanian to win a game.
The Austrian glasses: Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert will play Alexander Peya and Nikola Mektic in their semi-finals. The Viennese had already suspected this after his success against Bopanna/Roger-Vasselin. A return to court 1, preferred by Peya, would have been unrealistic anyway, the semi-finals will be held on court Suzanne Lenglen. Maybe also that of Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic. However, they still have to wait: after Pavic is also in the mixed doubles, the semi-final against Marc and Feliciano Lopez will not take place until Thursday.
Staff member of the previous day: Carlos Costa. Rafael Nadal’s Inner Circle has become smaller again after Uncle Toni’s voluntary retirement, while Carlos Moya not only takes over the coaching job, but also occasionally plays his protégé warmly. Like before his match against Diego Schwartzman. But also on the court: Carlos Costa, Nadal’s manager. And in fine twisted yarn, with shirt and jacket. But at least with tennis shoes and one of Rafa’s anniversary rackets in his hand. More contrast to the Muscle Shirt of the record winner is not possible.
Here are the most important matches of Thursday in Paris