I was really hoping Simona Halep would pull through. Not only because I’m a big fan of Halep and her former coach, Darren Cahill, but also because I lived in Romania for two years and used to love going to the local club to play on the red clay courts. Life experiences aside, I think what we have witnessed today is the break out slam of 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova. Interestingly enough, her hero, Maria Sharapova, won her first slam at Wimbledon when she was 17. Sharapova shocked Serena Williams in that final, beating her easily in straight sets.

Now that the draw on the women’s side has completely opened up, there’s no reason to believe that Anisimova doesn’t immediately become a favorite. I don’t think there’s anyone left that can handle her fluid power and athleticism.  Simona Halep wasn’t able to, and I doubt Barty, Konta or Vondrousova will be able to either. Out of the bunch, Barty has to be the most difficult for her of the bunch. Barty is a tricky player, with a lot of variety to her game, and also very gutsy.

But if she gets through Barty tomorrow morning, I just don’t see Konta or up and comer Vondrousova handling the heat that Anisimova will bring. Unless, Anisimova completely chokes against this semifinal field, she has to be the overwhelming favorite at this point.

Unfortunately for those of us that live in the Americas, most won’t be watching the women’s semis because they are scheduled for 5am Eastern. What a bummer. No matter though, when we all wake up, look for Amanda Anisimova and Vondrousova to be in the French Open final.

The good news is that the top four seeds will be playing immediately after the women, so maybe I’ll be able to catch the action live. The top four seeds are sure to deliver a semifinal round to remember.