We start the third round of the French Open on Friday. Day 6 will see eight women’s matches, and we’re predicting all of them for you. We’re looking at four matches in this article, and four in a second article. Predicting these matches today are Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and Pablo Mosquera.
French Open Day 6 Predictions
Elise Mertens vs Caroline Garcia
Jim:
Garcia has played some inspired tennis so far at the French Open, but it is always hard to know what sort of level the Frenchwoman will play at on any given day. Mertens, in contrast, is generally a consistent performer, even if she has been found out by the game’s very best more than once. And, ultimately, it’s hard to pick against consistency.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Damian:
Caroline Garcia is a pretty confidence-driven player and it happens every now and then that when she can string a few good performances together, she becomes really dangerous. She also has two head-to-head wins over Mertens, although neither of them came on clay.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Pablo:
Garcia overcame several difficult situations in her first two rounds against Anett Kontaveit and Aliaksandra Sasnovich, while Mertens did not drop a set versus Margarita Gasparyan and Kaia Kanepi. The Belgian is as reliable as a good old Swiss watch. In turn, Garcia’s performance is more unpredictable, but has a higher ceiling when in form. Therefore, I expect the French star to advance.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Nadia Podoroska vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova
Jim:
Podoroska has long been threatening a breakout run on the clay and the Argentine looks to be in position to deliver that this fortnight in Paris, with her victory over Yulia Putintseva particularly impressive. Schmiedlova delivered an impressive win of her own, stunning Victoria Azarenka in the Round of 64. But Podoroska has been playing at a consistently higher level than the German. Expect her to edge this one.
Prediction: Podoroska in 3
Damian:
Podoroska is on a great win streak, having pulled through the qualifying event and won an ITF tournament before that. I don’t think she can match the Slovakian’s backhand though as Schmiedlova is showing signs of her past brilliance and completely dominated Viktoria Azarenka in the previous round.
Prediction: Schmiedlova in 2
Pablo:
Arguably the most unforeseen third round matchup of the whole draw. Prior to the French Open, Schmiedlova had lost 12 consecutive first round matches at majors. Roughly speaking, she’s the Marco Cecchinato of the WTA. Just like the Italian, she has stepped up her game in Paris, upending Venus Williams and US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka in convincing fashion. Meanwhile, qualifier Nadia Podoroska’s brilliant run here is just a continuation of a stellar 2020 campaign. The 23-year-old Argentinian has compiled a remarkable 37-6 record across all levels. You can’t teach confidence and I think Podoroska’s is through the roof at the moment.
Prediction: Podoroska in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Martina Trevisan
Jim:
It has been an excellent week for Trevisan, who has never before played in the third round at a Major. However, Sakkari has established herself as one of the most reliable performers on the WTA Tour, with her success built around an exceedingly solid game from the baseline. With Trevisan possibly feeling the effects of her exertions so far, this is Sakkari’s match to lose.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Damian:
Trevisan feels a bit weird to see in a Round 3 of a Slam, but she deserves big credit for making it all the way from the qualifying draw. I don’t think she has what it takes to beat such a solid and experienced opponent though.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Pablo:
The Italian lefty is completing the best tournament of her career at Roland Garros. She seemed in control of the match against Coco Gauff when leading 5-3 in the third, but a massive error by the umpire dented her advantage. Yet, she managed to come through in the end. It takes mental fortitude not to crumble after a big officiating blunder. Sakkari has some mental lapses too, so Trevisan may steal a set, but I don’t see an upset happening here.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Simona Halep vs Amanda Anisimova
Jim:
Anisimova may have stunned Halep a year ago in Paris, beating the Romanian in the quarterfinals, but it is hard to see a repeat of that result. The top seed has looked imperious for the most part since the season resumed and is playing just about as well as she ever has. If she maintains that level, she will surely prove too strong for Anisimova.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Damian:
Last year, Anisimova pulled a huge upset over Halep in the quarterfinals. The Romanian failed to make amends during the match as the American outplayed her from the baseline. Anisimova is playing great tennis in Paris again but I think Halep will be ready for her rather one-dimensional power hitting this time around.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Pablo:
Coming into this match with 16 straight wins, Halep has been as consistent as it gets, whereas Anisimova is the definition of streakiness. The Romanian is the consensus favorite to lift her second French Open trophy. However, Anisimova seems to have found her footing in Paris for the second straight year. And that means trouble for whoever stands across the net from her. Do not forget the American blew the Halep off the court in Paris last season (6-2 6-4). Adriano Panatta upset Björn Borg twice at Roland Garros. Anisimova is going to surprise Halep again.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
