French Open Day 12 Picks- Women's Semi Finals

Day 11 proved to much better and I can now forget the memories from Day 10 when I couldn't catch a cold let alone a pick.

The Men's draw could not have shaped up much better with Federer-Djokovic being joined by Murray-Nadal on what should be a fascinating Friday of tennis.

Rafael Nadal looked back to his imperious best for 2 sets against Robin Soderling, and then showed his strength of character in refusing to buckle for the Swede when the pressure was put on in the 3rd set.

It is also telling that Nadal said he felt he played much better today and we have seen this from him before at the business end of tournaments.

He will meet Andy Murray who made a little harder work of Juan Ignacio Chela than he would have wanted. The injury to the ankle is still not fully healed, while Murray has too many lapses in concentration that will cost him against Nadal.

5 breaks of his own serve in the first 2 sets today must also be a concern for the Murray camp.


The Women's tour has been crying out for a star in the absence of the Williams sisters for almost a year- now they might be getting another familiar face back in the form of Maria Sharapova who looked absolutely dominating in her win over Andrea Petkovic.

Sharapova has not played in a Grand Slam Semi Final for 3 years and her return will be welcome for the WTA Tour. The Russian also became favourite to win this tournament but will have to beat the tough Chinese star Na Li.

I have underestimated Li for much of the tournament, and fully expected both Petra Kvitova and then Victoria Azarenka to beat her, but I have been put in my place both times. Li has reached a Grand Slam Final already this season and obviously feels she can take a step further in this tournament.


Day 12 is all about the Ladies as it is their Semi Final day so on to the picks:


Na Li + 3.5 games vs Maria Sharapova: As I mentioned above, I have underestimated Na Li twice already this tournament and now would much prefer to be on her side in what looks like a winnable Semi Final if I am honest.

Li has played very well against Kvitova and Azarenka in the last 2 Rounds here and obviously feels comfortable on the clay after suggesting it is others who think she is troubled on this surface.

Maria Sharapova showed the very best of her game today against Andrea Petkovic, but it was clear the latter was a little overawed by the occasion and that is something I dont expect from Li. This is also the first Semi Final at Grand Slam level that Sharapova would have competed in for 3 years and so there is a chance she is the more nervous of the two players.

Li also has won the last 2 meetings with Sharapova, both on the Russian's favoured grass, and also pushed Sharapova to 3 sets here at Roland Garros in 2009.

It is possible it goes the distance again tomorrow and hopefully having the games on our side will make the winner of the contest a moot point.


Francesca Schiavone - 2.5 games vs Marion Bartoli: Marion Bartoli might be the last French hope here in Paris, but this looks like a tough match up against the defending Champion on the red dirt, Francesca Schiavone.

Bartoli has shown a lot of heart in this tournament as she progressed past her previous career best of the 4th Round to the delight of her home crowd. Bartoli has beaten some tough opponents to get this far, none more so than Julia Goerges and Svetlana Kuznetsova, but Schiavone poses a different type of threat.

It has been blustery in Paris the last couple of days, and Schiavone's touch tennis is likely to make things additionally difficult for Bartoli whose movement is perhaps her biggest issue.

This has been a special tournament for Bartoli, but I remain concerned about her previous lack of success on the surface where bad movement can be exposed (Bartoli is 13-17 on the main tour in clay court events in 2008-2010).

Schiavone also holds a 4-1 head to head record against the French Woman, with their last meeting coming at Wimbledon in 2009. This will be their first clay court match.


MY PICKS: Na Li + 3.5 games @ 2.00 Boyle Sports (2 Units)
Francesca Schiavone - 2.5 games @ 1.91 Coral (2 Units)


FRENCH OPEN: + 17.17 Units (+ 4.9 Units Day 11)