Internationaux de Strasbourg, France

Women’s Semi-final: [CR26] Samantha Stosur (AUS) vs. [CR41] Sloane Stephens (USA)

Their 2015 season results are almost identical with neither player performing at their top level.  This is the first semi-final appearance of the season for both players.  Which one would elevate their game to make it to their first final of the season? A win here would also be a positive boost going into Roland Garros. Stosur took the first set and seemed to be in control when she took an early break in the second. Stephens fought back to even the match and won the second set with the identical score. The third set is where we get to assess the level of one’s mental fitness. It requires you to believe even when things are not going your way.  Unfortunately, Stephens got so frustrated, she was unable to maintain her focus and lost the match. Stosur won 6-3, 3-6, 6-0.

Open de Nice Cote d’Azur, France

Men’s Semi-final: [CR17] John Isner (USA) vs. [CR42] Dominic Thiem (AUT)

The first set between Thiem and Isner was highly competitive. The advantage should have gone to Isner in the tiebreaker; yet, he cracked under the pressure and lost his serve to lose the first set.  The pressure of competition can motivate one to excel or can stress one to the point that they are unable to perform. Thiem won the first set and the match.  Isner’s will was broken after losing the first set and in a panic he started rushing his shots and making more errors. His frustration continued to mount and Isner completely lost his focus. Thiem goes on to the final with a 7-6(5), 6-3 defeat of Isner. Will Thiem win his first ATP singles title?