The rain in Paris messed up the tournament schedule a bit, which had adverse affects on our ability to predict matches in a timely fashion. But we are back for the final two women’s quarterfinal matches and will be predicting every match of the tournament from here on out. And, of course, fewer matches means we have more space to bring in more opinions. Our panelists today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Niall Clarke, and LWOS contributors John Lupo, Sam Barker, and Bradey Bononcioni.
Panelists Predictions French Open Women’s Quarterfinals
Serena Williams vs Yulia Putinseva
Niall:
The Kazakh is one of the biggest surprise quarterfinalists of the few that made it to the last eight. Putintseva did well to beat Suarez-Navarro but Serena is a completely different prospect. The World #1 looked awesome against Elina Svitolina and she will likely breeze through to the semifinals.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Yesh:
This has been a great tournament for Putinseva and maybe she can pull some magic out with her crafty play, but I’m not seeing it. Serena just looks way too powerful right now.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Sam:
Firstly, let’s just applaud the stealthy run put together by Putintseva that has gone largely unnoticed by, well, pretty much everyone. Yet, Serena has been breath-taking in recent weeks–unbeaten on the red stuff this year and seemingly back to her imperious best. Putintseva’s creative style has the potential to cause problems for Williams, but at the end of the day the World #1 should be able to blast through the youngster.
Prediction: Serena in 2
John:
The defending champion played her best match of the tournament in dismantling Elina Svitolina 6-1, 6-1 while Putintseva upset Carla Suárez-Navarro to reach her first major quarterfinal. Flat out, this is a total mismatch as Putintseva will be nervous from the jump and has nothing to hurt Williams with.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Bradey:
Putintseva has brought a lot of fiery passion to the court this Roland Garros. She is known for letting her emotions get to her which has cost her some close matches but has also allowed her to compete with the best. Putintseva has played Serena tough a few times and while it could be tough this time too, I expect Serena to have the goods to pull through.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Timea Bacsinszky vs Kiki Bertens
Niall:
Bertens has carried her form into Roland Garros and all the way to the last eight with a good run. The Dutch woman has beat Kerber and Keys but her efforts might make her slightly tired. Bacsinszky has looked good here and made the semifinals last year. It will be a good and competitive match, but the Swiss will pull through.
Prediction: Bacsinszky in 3
Yesh:
Bacsinszky has experience here as she reached the semifinals here last year in her breakout tournament. This has been a great run by Bertens, but the Dutchwoman’s success here has to end sometime. She’s not a Slam-winning caliber player right now, solid as she is.
Prediction: Bacsinszky in 3
Sam:
The most intriguing meeting of the tournament to date, both players are red hot right now and playing above their peak, which should make for a lengthy and ferocious encounter. Bacsinszky has perpetuated focus throughout her campaign so far but it is Bertens–with the giant-killing tagline after her removal of Angelique Kerber, Madison Keys and Daria Kasatkina–-that is on the longer winning streak. However, the Swiss was my pick pre-tournament so I’m going to back her to edge through a must-see encounter.
Prediction: Bacsinszky in 3
John:
The Dutchwoman’s fairytale ride continued as she stunned Madison Keys to reach her maiden Slam quarterfinal. Bacsinszky was impressive in routining Venus Williams. In what will surely be the best match of the quarterfinals, Bacsinszky will just edge Bertens and reach the last four for the second straight year.
Prediction: Bacsinszky in 3
Bradey:
Bacsinszky had a very slow start to the season. She picked it up in Miami however when she took out Radwanska and Halep back to back. Now she’s back into the second week of a slam, taking out Venus Williams in the process. The Swiss will probably have a lot more in the tank compared to Bertens, who’s spent a lot of physical and emotional energy just to get to this point. If she can target the forehand of her Swiss opponent then she could come out on top but it’s still a big ask.
Prediction: Bacsinszky in 2
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