Top 5 seeds Elina Svitolina, Simona Halep, and Karolina Pliskova are in action in Paris today, as four spots remain in the Roland Garros Women’s Quarterfinals. The match of the day will be Cornet vs. Garcia, as one of these women will join Kristina Mladenovic as the remaining home hopes to capture the French Open title. Sam Barker and Niall Clarke on hand to offer previews, with predictions.
(5)Elina Svitolina vs Petra Martic
Sam: Petra Martic caught the eye of many with her breathtaking 6-1 6-1 victory over Anastasija Sevastova but her fairytale run will end here. Svitolina seems to have the aura of a champion at the moment and will come through test with flying colours. Svitolina in 2
Niall: Martic has been a surprise package of the tournament so far and has put in some impressive performances. But Svitolina is on a roll at present and will prove to be too much for Martic. Svitolina in 2
(3)Simona Halep vs. (21)Carla Suarez Navarro
Sam: Neither player has dropped a set yet so something will have to give in this intriguing encounter. Halep has brushed away any pre-tournament injury concerns and her performances have put her back as a leading contender. Suarez Navarro has nothing to lose and will make this competitive but Halep has form on her side. Halep in 3
Niall: Halep has held up fine despite injury worries before the tournament. She is one of the favourites for the title here and I do not see Suarez Navarro stopping her. I feel we may get two tight sets but Halep to advance in straights. Halep in 2
(28)Caroline Garcia vs. Alize Cornet
Sam: This has all the ingredients to be the popcorn match of the tournament. Two home favourites who had a very public falling out earlier in the year means this will be a high intensity match with plenty of emotion on show. Whoever wins over the crowd will win the match and I think Cornet may just have the edge in that department. Cornet in 3
Niall: Garcia has the bigger game and higher ceiling but her struggles with nerves are well documented. If she can handle the pressure I see her beating Cornet, but if not then Cornet will take it. It is a hard call but I am going with Garcia to finally make a slam breakthrough. Garcia in 3
(2)Karolina Pliskova vs. Veronica Cepede Royg
Sam: The draw has been kind to Karolina Pliskova so far who, after four rounds, is still yet to face a player inside the top 60. She openly admits that she does not particularly enjoy playing on clay and Cepede Royg could exploit that. Despite the surface however, I believe Pliskova has enough raw power to stifle the charge of the Paraguayan. Pliskova in 3
Niall: Garcia has the bigger game and higher ceiling but her struggles with nerves are well documented. If she can handle the pressure I see her beating Cornet, but if not then Cornet will take it. It is a hard call but I am going with Garcia to finally make a slam breakthrough. Garcia in 3
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