ROLAND GARROS, FRANCE

[1] Serena Williams (USA) vs. [18] Elina Svitolina (UKR)

Williams moved on in another dominant performance.  I thought that Svitolina would give her a bit more of a challenge, but she was no match for the focused Serena.  Williams had a little lapse in concentration in the first set serving to go up 5-0; however, that was the only time she was broken in the entire match and she won 6-1, 6-1.

[9] Venus Williams (USA) vs. [8] Timea Bacsinszky (SUI)

Venus was not so lucky and she was ousted by the in-form Bacsinszky 2-6, 4-6.  The rain delay definitely did not help Venus who needs time to get warmed up and so many days of inactivity showed. Bacsinszky did a great job of keeping her focus and executed her shots perfectly in these heavy conditions to defeat Williams.

[15] Madison Keys (USA) vs. [58] Kiki Bertens (NED)

Bertens continues her impressive performance on clay. What a difference winning Nurnberg last month has made in Bertens’ confidence. She knocked out the number three seed, Angelique Kerber in the first round and today she knocked out her third seeded player in the tournament.   Keys never looked comfortable and Bertens can do so much with the ball, she wore Keys down mentally and physically to win 7-6(4), 6-3.

[108] Shelby Rogers (USA) vs. [4] Garbine Muguruza (ESP)

Rogers’ run came to an end at the hands of Muguruza.  Perhaps the occasion was too much for Rogers. She had a set point in the first set and after she failed to covert that opportunity, she seemed to lose her belief.  She was never the same and Muguruza was quick to recognize the change in her opponent and she took advantage. Although Rogers would have loved to make it to her first Major semifinal, it was still a great showing for the American. Muguruza won 7-5, 6-3.

SURPRISING RESULT: [12] Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) lost to [60] Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) 5-7, 5-7