Could it be? Venus on track to foil Serena’s bid for history

10:11 AM ET

This has been a surprise-laden French Open, going all the way back to the day Roger Federer recused himself from it because of a lingering bad back. In keeping with that theme, here are five viable predictions that, should they come to pass in Week 2, would make this a French Open for the ages.

1. Serena Williams will win the title and tie Steffi Graf

Williams claims she has eliminated all drama after that wildly theatrical run she earned last year. Trouble is, drama may not have sworn off her — as we saw in her tiebreaker with Kristina Mladenovic on Saturday.

There’s a good shot Venus Williams could meet sister Serena in the French Open semifinals. Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Image

Drama is triggered by things that can’t be controlled, which includes emotions. They can be triggered by many things, including an opponent’s form on a given day. One of the opponents lurking on Williams’ horizon is the No. 9 seed, her sister Venus. Both are in the fourth round and could meet in the semis.

Venus, closing rapidly on 36, is playing some great tennis. She’s never won the French Open. After moving into the fourth round, she told the Roland Garros crowd: “I’ve had some issues in the past, and I’m trying to make this my best year on clay.”

For this to qualify as Venus’ best year, she would have to win it. Now you see the problem. Imagine Venus standing in the way of Serena equaling Graf’s Grand Slam title record. Imagine Serena standing in the way of Venus finally winning the French. Imagine the emotions, which are the incubators of …

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