We begin the second round on Wednesday, Day 4 of the French Open. There will be 16 women’s matches, and we’re predicting every one of them. We’ll be looking at four matches in this article, but we will also have three more sets of articles. One set features Bernarda Pera vs Amanda Anisimova, the next headlines Simona Halep vs Irina-Camelia Begu, and the final features Serena Williams vs Tsvetana Pironkova. Predicting these matches today are Andrew Watson, Damian Kust, and myself (Yesh Ginsburg).
French Open Day 4 Predictions
Daria Gavrilova vs Eugenie Bouchard
Andrew:
The Australian has recently returned from injury but has a couple of decent results to her name since her return, not least an excellent first round win against Dayana Yastemska here. Bouchard has been returning to form recently as well, especially on the clay since the break. She could’ve easily been a title winner in Istanbul but she won comfortably enough in the first round as well. I give the Canadian the edge here just because she has shown form for quite a while now and she seems focused to get back to somewhere near her best.
Prediction: Bouchard in 3
Damian:
The Australian is still very early in her injury comeback but she played a great match to beat Dayana Yastremska. However, it’s hard to expect consistency from her yet and Bouchard has been playing well since the restart.
Prediction: Bouchard in 2
Yesh:
It is almost impossible to know what to expect from Bouchard nowadays. The talent is there, but so often the game just isn’t. Gavrilova is a solid player, but Bouchard is better at her best, especially on clay. It’s impossible to expect, but the Canadian has been better on the big stages more often than not recently.
Prediction: Bouchard in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Renata Zarazu
Andrew:
In direct contrast to her beau, Svitolina is in great form and shouldn’t have too many problems here. She may even be a threat for the title here (and that’s what they call the kiss of death).
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Damian:
Svitolina really upped her performance in the past week or so. Zarazua is yet to face a top-quality opponent after playing through the qualifying and beating a wildcard opponent in round one. I think this will get exposed here.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Yesh:
The Mexican took full advantage of her opportunity here and picked up a win in a Major. She won’t get a second such opportunity now–not against Svitolina.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova
Andrew:
Azarenka is so confident right now. It’s a version of the former World #1 that we haven’t seen since her peak. The Slovakian may have won past another great in Venus Williams in round one but this will be a tougher proposition in every department. Expect Azarenka to start fast and she will look to end the match in straight sets.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Damian:
In this form I trust Azarenka, but she better not treat her opponent lightly. Schmiedlova had a couple of weaker seasons but she’s been showing flashes of the past brilliance lately.
Yesh:
Azarenka fell just short of claiming a US Open crown, but that hasn’t slowed her down at all. She looks in just as strong a form in Paris, which should be a warning for the entire field here.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Coco Gauff vs Martina Trevisan
Andrew:
It seems ridiculous to say but Gauff may have more trouble with the Italian qualifier than the 13th ranked Johanna Konta. Trevisan showed great form in qualifying and feels very comfortable on this surface. It seems as though Gauff is also very capable on clay as well though and has the power required to dominate on the surface. She does need to sort her serve out, but she should have enough to progress a bit further here.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Damian:
Gauff benefitted of a very tentative display from Johanna Konta. This will be a different match, one where she’ll get to have a little more of the burden of dictating play on her side. She should make it though, given her extreme maturity for her age.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Yesh:
Gauff looks very good right now and doesn’t seem to have any issues with playing on clay. Don’t expect much of a challenge in this one.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo:
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