Day four in Paris sees Petra Kvitova in action once again against Bethanie Mattek-Sands as well as dark horse Kiki Bertens facing rising teenager CiCi Bellis. Our predictions today are from Sam Barker, Niall Clarke and Jeff Crady.
Ekaterina Makarova vs. Lesia Tsurenko
Sam: Separated by just one ranking position this one could not be any closer on paper. The reality is likely to be very different. Both won their first round comfortably but Makarova has the form and head to head advantage. She should back up her win over Angelique Kerber in routine fashion.
Makarova in 2
Niall: So often after a big win a player experiences a come-down in the following round. This is possible for Makarova here as Tsurenko is a dangerous player. That said I expect the Russian to still win the match.
Makarova in 2
Jeff: Makarova’s win over Kerber came as little surprise as the world #1 continues to struggle. She will find a much more in-form Tsurenko who has had a great last 18 months. Tsurenko will use her forehand and defense to win in three.
Tsurenko in 3
[23] Samantha Stosur vs. Kirsten Flipkens
Sam: This has all the makings of a baseline brawl between two stalwarts of the women’s game. Stosur has the form off the back of last week’s Strasbourg title but will her efforts in Germany affect her physically? While they may impact her later in the week she will have the stamina to emerge from this one victorious.
Stosur in 2
Niall: Flipkens is a tricky player with her variety but clay is much more suited to Stosur so I expect the Aussie to win in straight sets.
Stosur in 2
Jeff: Stosur seems to love the clay of Roland Garros more than any other surface having some of her best results here. Having won her warm up tournament and looking great in the first round, even an in form Flipkens will not have enough fire power to phase her. Stosur in straights.
Stosur in 2
Bethanie Mattek-Sands vs. [15] Petra Kvitova
Sam: Petra Kvitova is playing without any expectation and that could play hugely into her hands. Mattek-Sands has had a decent upturn in form since arriving in the French capital but if Kvitova plays with the same joyful freedom she had in her opening round match then this is a no contest.
Kvitova in 3
Niall: Kvitova impressed on her return to tennis by beating Boserup rather easily. Mattek-Sands should provide a bigger test, but if Petra plays the way she did in round one then I back the Czech to come through.
Kvitova in 3
Jeff: The feel good story of Kvitova looks to continue it’s run into the draw against the net-attacking American. Mattek-Sands is a tricky player, and even before the home invasion and injury, Kvitova was often unpredictable and inconsistent; however, her big serve and groundstrokes will still prove too much for the world’s #1 doubles player.
Kvitova in 3
[18] Kiki Bertens vs Cici Bellis
Sam: The two met just a few weeks ago in Rome where Bertens swept Bellis aside for the loss of just four games. The Dutch clay court specialist looked a little tired in her opening round match against Ajla Tomljanovic though and the youthful energy of the teenage Bellis could make this one extremely interesting if it goes to a third set.
Bellis in 3
Niall: Bertens made the semi-finals last year and has played her way into form just in time this year. Bellis is a solid test for the Dutchwoman, but I think Bertens will prevail in the end.
Bertens in 2
Jeff: Cici Bellis has had a great 2017 and some big wins on the clay this season. She will need that if she wants to beat one of the dark horse favourites in Kiki Bertens who reached the semis here last year. Although Bellis has more power, Bertens will remain just crafty and confident enough to win in three.
Bertens in 3
Sara Errani vs. [13] Kristina Mladenovic
Sam: An emotional Mladenovic really laboured through a bizarre opening round match and also seemed to be suffering from a lower back injury. While the inexperienced Jennifer Brady was unable to capitalise Sara Errani has been on the circuit long enough to know how to pounce on any hesitation. If Mladenovic plays like she did in the first round then Errani will be the one in the third round.
Errani in 3
Niall: Mladenovic struggled in the first round with injury and was rather lucky to come through. Errani is not at her best, but she is a steadier player than Brady and with Kiki’s injury being an issue, I can see the Italian getting the upset.
Errani in 3
Jeff: Mladenovic looked both super human and human in her three set marathon win over Jennifer Brady. Her forehand was fierce, her dropshots and backhands more mediocre. Errani has looked great at this French Open and will try to guile her way to victory. Mladenovic will fight off her nerves just enough to run around her back hand continually and win in three sets.
Mladenovic in 3
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