Four women entered Tuesday seeking a spot in the women’s semifinals, and two came out with their dreams of a title at Roland Garros still intact.

Ivanovic breezes into the semifinals

On a windy day in Paris, seventh-seeded Ana Ivanovic returned to the semifinals for the first time since her title in 2008 with a 6-3 6-2 win against Elina Svitolina. On the strength of her big, powerful forehand, Ivanovic quickly gained control of the match and never relinquished it.

The confident and aggressive Ivanovic struck winner after winner, keeping the young Ukrainian off balance and never allowing her into the match. The Serb struck 37 winners while yielding just eight to the defensive Svitolina in a match where both were forced to adjust to the windy conditions.

Ivanovic addressed the weather after the match. “Today was a very, very tough match, even though the score doesn't indicate that,” she said. “It was tough conditions obviously for both of us - very, very gusty. I really tried to just execute my game plan and tried to move more, because in the windy conditions that's what you have to do. I was very happy I managed to do that so well and put pressure on her.”

After exchanging breaks early in the match, the experienced Ivanovic appeared to adjust to the wind more quickly than her young opponent and never relinquished another break of her serve. Meanwhile, a quick break in the second set, followed by another later in the set, sealed the victory. And after 75 minutes, Ivanovic was on her way to the final four.

Since her championship at Roland Garros seven years ago, Ivanovic has endured her share of ups-and-downs, but she was thrilled to advance, “I don’t know if I should feel very old or very happy,” she said. “Obviously I'm very, very thrilled to be in my first semifinals since 2008. It's been a long road and hard work.”

Safarova advances to her first Roland Garros semifinal

13th seed Lucie Safarova advanced to her second Grand Slam semifinal after defeating 21st-seeded Garbiñe Muguruza, 7-6(3) 6-3, on Tuesday. The Czech reached a Wimbledon semifinal in 2014.

The two competitors protected their serves in the first set, but Muguruza fended off a strong effort by Safarova in the seventh game of the set. However, after a 10-minute game, the Spaniard held her service, and the set advanced to a tiebreak.

Safarova was sharp in the tiebreak, particularly from her backhand side, which has complemented a forehand that has been so troublesome to opponents during the fortnight. She would roll through the tiebreak and take the first set.

A late break of service by the Czech then tilted the second set and match in her favor. The left-hander was happy to advance, “It’s amazing to be in the semifinals,” Safarova said. “It’s hard to explain my feelings….wow! I am excited and ready to face Ana.”

Safarova will face Ivanovic on Thursday. She holds a 5-3 head-to-head advantage over the Serb with each taking one match on the clay surface.