Day 7 wraps up the third round of the French Open. Who will move on to the second week? There are eight more spots up for grabs on Saturday, and we’re predicting all eight Day 7 matches for you. You can find four predictions in this article. The other set of predictions includes the four remaining matches, featuring Amanda Anisimova vs Irina Camelia Begu. Predicting for you today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Jim Smith, and Jay Sandhu.
French Open Day 7 Women’s Predictions
Ashleigh Barty vs Andrea Petkovic
Jim:
Barty isn’t often though of as a clay-court force, but she has looked assured so far on the terre battue in Paris. Her victory over Danielle Collins in the second round was particularly impressive and the Australian looks primed for a deep run in the French capital. That said, Petkovic is a player of real guile and quality, which should make this an engaging watch. But whilst Barty is on the rise, the German’s powers are unquestionably on the wane.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Jay:
Both players had very tricky second round matches, but Petkovic looked particularly impressive. She played aggressive tennis against Hsieh–and considering that Barty is not comfortable on clay, this is a big opportunity for Petkovic.
Prediction: Petkovic in 3
Yesh:
Barty has slowly improved on clay (just like on all surfaces), and has been impressive recently. Her dismissal of Danielle Collins can’t be overlooked. Barty is going far.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Monica Puig vs Iga Swiatek
Jim:
Puig hasn’t quite had the career many expected after her breakthrough at the Rio Olympics, but the Puerto Rican is nonetheless an excellent touring professional. Swiatek, meanwhile, looks to be one of a number of young guns in the women’s draw with an exceedingly bright future in the game. But this looks like it may well be a step too far too soon for the Pole. It will likely be close, but in the crucial moments expect Puig’s experience to provide her with a decisive edge.
Prediction: Puig in 3
Jay:
Swiatek has had a good run up to this point, but she had a fairly easy draw, facing a wild card and an out of sorts Wang. Puig had a somewhat more difficult draw and impressively beat Kasatkina, so I would favour the Puerto Rican to reach the fourth round.
Prediction: Puig in 3
Yesh:
Swiatek is a young up-and-comer who is blossoming before our very eyes. Puig is solid, but this is the youth’s breakthrough Slam, and she’s taking full advantage of this opportunity.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Aliona Bolsova
Jim:
Both Alexandrova and Bolsova–a qualifier–have enjoyed excellent tournaments and both will surely be desperate to prolong their stay in Paris. There doesn’t look to be a great deal between them on paper, but Bolsova now owns a winning streak that stretches to five matches and must be full of confidence. Expect that to help her edge a close match and book her place in the second week at a Major for the first time.
Prediction: Bolsova in 3
Jay:
Bolsova Zadoinov has had a breakthrough run in Paris, but I believe it will end here. Her ranking is double Alexandrova’s and Alexandrova has achieved much more impressive wins over Stosur and Buzarnescu. It may be close due to the fact that both players are quite inexperienced, but Alexandrova is the better player in general.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Yesh:
Bolsova came through qualifying, which means she’s played a lot of tennis recently. On top of that, Alexandrova is a slightly better player overall. Not much separates these two, but for those two reasons I’m going with Alexandrova. Barely.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Serena Williams vs Sofia Kenin
Jim:
Williams made a shaky start against Vitalia Diatchenko in the first round, but looked back to her typically composed self in besting Kurumi Nara in the Round of 64. Does that mean she should be considered amongst the foremost title contenders in Paris? Probably not. But neither should her quality and experience be underestimated on the back of one below-par performance. Kenin should provide her countrywoman with a real challenge, but not an insurmountable one.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Jay:
Kenin is clearly a star of the future, but I don’t think she will have a chance in this match due to her lack of experience. Serena will overpower her and should win easily.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Yesh:
We have no idea how healthy and in-form Serena is right now. Kenin, meanwhile, is playing solid tennis. Picking Kenin to win would be insane, but don’t be surprised, at all, if she is really impressive in this match.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Main Photo:
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