Banque Eric Sturdza Geneva Open, Switzerland

[4] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs [43] Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)

This was the second encounter between these two.   Wawrinka won their first meeting, which was also on clay in three sets.  I was a bit surprised at Wawrinka’s 6-3, 6-1 dismissal of Carreno Busta.  Carreno Busta has been playing very well on clay and has made it to two clay court finals already this year.  Thus, I expected him to make this a tad more competitive; however, Wawrinka is on a mission to get in form for his title defense at Roland Garros and Carreno Busta could only offer up minimal resistance today.  Surprisingly for Wawrinka’s fans, the experts at Tennis Channel’s Roland Garros Preview did not pick him as this year’s champion.  Will Wawrinka prove them all wrong?

THIEM INTO HIS SIXTH SEMIFINAL OF THE SEASON

Open de Nice Cote d’Azur, France

[15] Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs. [41] Andreas Seppi (ITA)

It was their first encounter and Seppi had no answers for Thiem’s one-handed backhand.  Seppi usually a much better competitor is trying to work his way back into form after a recent return from injury.  Unfortunately for him, he came up against one of the players who has been playing consistently quality tennis on all surfaces, but particularly on clay. Seppi never seemed comfortable and struggled with his timing the entire match.  Thiem, never looked bothered and he won 6-3, 6-3 to move on to his sixth semifinal of the season.  He is Paul Annacone’s pick for the player that will surprise us by getting to the quarterfinals or better at Roland Garros.  Will he or has Thiem played too much tennis heading into the second Major?