Europe 1 with AFP / Photo credits: Robert Szaniszlo / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP 10:00 am, June 08, 2023

The noose is tightening at Roland-Garros: the women's semifinals take place this Thursday on the Philippe-Chatrier center court. Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, the world's second-ranked player, will face Czech Karolina Muchova, then world No. 1 Iga Swiatek will challenge Brazil's Beatriz Hadda Maia.

The 12th day of Roland-Garros, tournament of which Europe 1 is the official radio, is devoted this Thursday to the women's semifinals, starting with Karolina Muchova-Aryna Sabalenka from 15 pm, then Iga Swiatek-Beatriz Haddad Maia. Both matches will take place on Centre Court Philippe-Chatrier.

The main matches of the 12th matchday on Thursday

Court Philippe-Chatrier

Not before 15 p.m.:

- Karolina Muchova (CZE) - Aryna Sabalenka (BLR/2 seed)

- Iga Swiatek (POL/1) - Beatriz Haddad (BRA/14)

Iga Swiatek, big favorite in the women's draw

On Tuesday, Karolina Muchova, ranked 43rd in the WTA rankings, beat 2021 finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets (7-5, 6-2) on Centre Court. She will have her work cut out for her work on Thursday by facing the world No. 2 and the main outsider of the tournament, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. The latter offered the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in two sets also (6-4, 6-4), with an end of the match marked by the refusal of the Ukrainian player to shake hands with her opponent, as she does because of the war in Ukraine.

The second semi-final will see two players who won on Wednesday: Iga Swiatek and Beatriz Haddad Maia. The Pole, who won against Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2, will be favorite against the Brazilian who fell to Ons Jabeur in three sets (3-6, 7-6, 6-1) and will try to retain her title Porte d'Auteuil.