It’s Day 7 of the French Open, which means that we are finishing up the third round. This half of the draw has some of the biggest names in the women’s game, which means we are in for some exciting matchups. Serena Williams has her toughest match since her comeback, and we’ll get to see just what level Maria Sharapova is currently at. Predicting today are writers Nurein Ahmed and Brett Margolies, along with editors Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg.
French Open Predictions Day 7 Women’s Matches
Serena Williams vs Julia Goerges
Nurein:
They say form is temporary, class is permanent. That is the very definition of Serena Williams as evidenced from her two victories here in Paris. But I fancy Julia Gorges in this one. I think Goerges is a slightly better player than Barty (who led by a set and break on Williams in round two), and I can’t see her choking such a lead. The German woman has a big serve which is like bonus point especially while playing Serena Wlliams and her backhand is pretty solid. I watched Goerges during the Charleston event where she lost in the final to Bertens after having to play two matches in a day due to rain. I think Julia Goerges when on song is hard to stop. She is one of very few women on the WTA tour who have power to outhit Serena on their day. And Serena is only just coming back.
Prediction: Goerges in 2
Steen:
Serena got past a tough second round match but her German opponent represents a tougher test. I’m still not sold on her form, despite the fact it’s amazing she’s playing this well with her limited match practice heading into Roland Garros.
Prediction: Goerges in 3
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Brett:
Serena woke up early on in the 2nd set after going down a break to Barty. I think it was almost a wake-up call to herself to start playing her game already. She looked much better to close out the match which should be dangerous for the rest of the women’s field. I think Serena picks up where she left off and wins fairly comfortably.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Yesh:
Serena changed everything in that second set against Barty, but Goerges is better than Barty, especially on clay. My rule is to never really pick against the 23-time Grand Slam champion, but it will take a consistency and stamina to win this match that I don’t think she has yet.
Prediction: Williams in 3
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Simona Halep vs Andrea Petkovic
Nurein:
The gulf in ability between these two players at the moment is vast. Andrea Petkovic has been hiding under a rock for quite some time, and I don’t remember the last time she won two successive Grand Slam matches prior to this tournament.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Steen:
Halep played much better in her round 2 match I’d expect that to continue.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Brett:
Andrea Petkovic’s run has been a good story so far. She hasn’t matched up too well against Halep in the past though. She’s 1-6 H2H and has lost the last six times. It’s been a good run for Petkovic, but I think it’ll end against Halep.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Yesh:
Petkovic has looked good this tournament and might have had a deep run in her with a better draw. She’ll make a match of it, but she’s just not up to beating Halep at this point.
Prediction: Halep in 2
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Angelique Kerber vs Kiki Bertens
Nurein:
This is the only women’s match in my picks which I believe will go the distance. Bertens is a beast on clay and Kerber has endured a frustrating season. On paper this should be a routine win for the Dutchwoman, but I think Kerber might surprise a few of us and make this harder than antipicated. But Bertens is enjoying her best spell ever and Kerber is struggling for confidence.
Prediction: Bertens in 3
Steen:
The lesser-known Dutchwoman has played well but Kerber looks to be too strong.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Brett:
I think Kerber is flying under the radar right now after not having a good clay season coming in. Bertens defeated Kerber at Roland Garros in 2016, and I think she’ll beat her again in a close match.
Prediction: Bertens in 3
Yesh:
Kerber’s fall from the top of the game has been such an underappreciated story. But she is finally finding a good level again, and I think she’ll make the second week here.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
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Garbine Muguruza vs Samantha Stosur
Nurein:
I think Stosur’s run ends here. Muguruza is slowly putting herself back in contention to win the title and this should not be an obstacle for her.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Steen:
Given the surface, I’m reasonably confident in the Spaniard to win.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Brett:
Samantha Stosur always seems to have a run in her at Roland Garros. With not much form coming in she’s managed to reach the 3rd round quite easily. Muguruza has also been playing well though. Maybe 2010 Stosur would win this match, but not anymore.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Yesh:
Stosur is not quite her former self, but she seems to love the clay here in Paris. Still, she’s past her prime, and Muguruza is smack in the middle of hers.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
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Maria Sharapova vs Karolina Pliskova
Nurein:
If Goerges was to upset Williams (which I think she will), unofrtnalry the Sharapova-Williams R4 meeting will not materialize. Of course if Serena was to win, Sharapova still has to win as well–against big serving Czech Karolina Pliskova, which will not be an easy by any stretch. In fact I am picking Pliskova to eliminate Sharapova here. I have not been impressed from what I have seen from Sharapova on her two wins. I know it is still the early rounds and some players are playing themselves into some form, but Sharapova was three games from defeat to Richel Hogenkamp (who is yet to win a tour level match all year). Surely, Pliskova won’t pass such an opportunity.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Steen:
This looks like a really good match. I’ll go with Sharapova’s experience to help her over the edge.
Prediction: Sharapova in 2
Brett:
I hope Maria Sharapova can hold up her end of the bargain to set up the Sharapova-Serena 4th round match. Sharapova has looked better as the tournament has gone on but will face her toughest test yet. On any other surface, I think Pliskova would get through, but I think Sharapova wins a close one.
Prediction: Sharapova in 3
Yesh:
Sharapova likes the clay, and Pliskova does not. Pliskova is probably the better player right now, but Sharapova has to be dreaming of a chance to take down Serena.
Prediction: Sharapova in 3
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