Here we have a pleasant surprise: These two talented and likable players have reached the semifinals. It’s a rare occasion for both. Safarova, in a career filled with major-tournament mediocrity, has done it just once in 39 previous tries, at Wimbledon last year. Ivanovic hasn’t gone this deep at a Slam since she won the French Open in 2008. The 27-year-old Serb has been No. 1, while the 28-year-old Czech will crack the Top 10 for the first time in her 12-year career next week. But Safarova leads their head to head 5-3, and she beat Ivanovic in straight sets at Roland Garros last year. She also upset Maria Sharapova in straight sets this year, and finally seems to be making the most of her whip-crack forehand. The result may hinge on how Ivanovic handles her biggest match in seven years. Winner: Safarova
Serena is ranked No. 1; Bacsinszky is ranked No. 24. Serena is going for her 20th major title; Bacsinszky is playing her first major semifinal. Serena has won both of their matches in straight sets. Should we just punch the American’s ticket to the final? She is the heavy favorite, and she played her cleanest match of the tournament in beating Sara Errani in the quarters. But Bacsinszky could make this interesting. She's a gamer who isn’t fazed by much, and each time she has played Serena she has pushed her to the limit in the first set. All of that said, a Bacsinszky win over Serena at this stage of a Slam might be the biggest upset in tennis history. Winner: S. Williams
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