French Open: Sam Stosur’s semi-final opponent wary of Aussie’s power

SAMANTHA Stosur will tonight attempt to reach her third grand slam final, intent on derailing Garbine Muguruza’s hopes of a maiden French Open crown.

Australia's Samantha Stosur returns the ball to Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova during their women's quarter-final.

SAMANTHA Stosur will tonight attempt to reach her third grand slam final, intent on derailing Spaniard Garbine Muguruza’s hopes of a maiden French Open crown.

Stosur and Muguruza clash for the right to advance to tomorrow night’s decider against either defending champion Serena Williams or Kiki Bertens.

Wimbledon finalist Muguruza, the world No 4 ranked 20 places higher than Stosur, rejects suggestions she is favourite to win the match.

In further evidence of the highly strung baseliner’s anxious personality, Muguruza bristled when told she was expected to defeat Stosur.

“I don’t think so. I don’t put myself in that position,” she said.

“It’s match after match. I mean, some seeded players were defeated, but there are lots of players who are doing well.

“So I don’t think about it. I just want to focus on my game match after match. In a semi-final, I mean, you can be defeated very quickly.”

Spain's Garbine Muguruza stands between Sam Stosur and a third grand slam final.

Muguruza lost to Stosur in the pair’s only match on clay in Madrid two years ago.

Adored by Spanish media, the right-hander has attempted to retreat from public view as her popularity and profile grows.

“I try to isolate myself because you have to answer lots of questions during the interviews,” she said.

“I want to remain in my bubble. I want to be focused on the tournament. I don’t want to look at the draw too much.

“So I try to not think too much about the match.

“It’s very difficult to maintain your peace of mind when you reach the semi-final of a grand slam.

“You have to do away with the secondary thoughts. I need to concentrate on my game; I need to be well-prepared.

Australia's Samantha Stosur has the power to worry Garbine Muguruza.

“When I get up in the morning, I need to focus my game until I step on court. This is what I will be doing.”

Muguruza clearly rates Stosur’s power and athleticism.

“I know that she reached the final at the French Open. She plays well. It will be a tough match,” Muguruza said.

“In a semi-final match, all matches are tough. Lots of players are under stress and they want to reach the final, so I will focus on my tennis and I will give my best.

“I respect all the players, and especially all the players who have made deep runs in the tournament. I respect them. I’m not frightened.

“I’m not scared. I’m business, of course, but I wish I could reach a final. Why not?

“I need to dictate play from the very beginning of the match.

“There is always a little bit of stress. I have already experienced that situation at Wimbledon, so you see things differently and you know what you have to do, what you should avoid doing.

“It’s better to have lived this experience.”

Originally published as French Open: Sam Stosur’s semi-final opponent wary of Aussie’s power