We wrap up the third round of the French Open on Day 7. Saturday’s matches will see 16 women compete for eight spots in the fourth round. Who will move on to compete on Monday? We share our thoughts on all of the matches. Four of the eight matches are in this article, and four are in a separate article. Predicting today’s matches are Andrew Watson, Damian Kust, and Jim Smith.
French Open Day 7 Women’s Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Barbora Krejcikova
Andrew:
This is going to be Svitolina’s first real test. Krejcikova is full of confidence right now and is playing exceptionally well. The Czech dismissed a talented opponent in Alexandrova in the last round and I think she may shock the Ukrainian.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Damian:
Svitolina is still seeking that breakthrough at a Grand Slam but it’s not looking particularly likely that it will happen here. Krejcikova ,on the other hand, just lifted her first WTA title, and despite doing it last week, doesn’t appear to be running on fumes. I’ll go with the in-form player but it’s really close.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Jim:
This feels like a big opportunity for Barbora Krejcikova. The Czech has been playing the best tennis of her career this season – at least in singles – whilst Elina Svitolina has been largely unimpressive. The Ukrainian’s form has picked up in recent weeks, but this is nonetheless a winnable assignment for Krejcikova. If the 25-year-old can remain focused on the task in hand, expect her to book her place in the last 16 in Paris for the second year in a row.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Maria Sakkari vs Elise Mertens
Andrew:
Very tough match to call. Neither player is going to give this away. I suspect that the Greek will probably be the happier with her form going into this match and, indeed, she may well be the one who has the ability to take it away from her opponent. I think it will go three sets and that the Greek will provide the extra bit of quality required.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Damian:
Mertens didn’t look good at all in beating Zarina Diyas and will need to improve rapidly to stand a chance here. Sakkari will surely have this more on her racket and judging by her previous performances, she should be attacking with enough efficiency.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Jim:
This may not be the headline clash of Day 7 at the French Open, but it could the most competitive. Both women have made impressive starts to their campaigns in Paris, but it is Maria Sakkari who has looked the sharper. She has seen off Katarina Zavatska and Jasmine Paolini in short order and if she maintains the form she showed in those victories, expect her to just about have the edge here.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Marta Kostyuk vs Varvara Gracheva
Andrew:
Now that Kostyuk has backed up her victory against Muguruza it would be nice to see the teenager push on through the tournament. Gracheva will be a tough opponent but I believe Kostyuk to be a real talent and I am siding with her here.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Damian:
A very interesting clash between two great youngsters, who split two meetings on the ITF Tour back in 2019. However, with the disposition Kostyuk showcased in the first two rounds, Gracheva will probably be outmatched quite easily. The Ukrainian plays tennis with zero hesitation and as long she keeps her error count reasonably low, she should be taking this.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Jim:
Such is the wealth of young talent in the ranks of the WTA that Marta Kostyuk sometimes flies under the radar. But she has had some week so far in Paris, thrashing Garbine Muguruza in her opener before recording an equally comfortable win over the experienced Zheng Saisai. Varvara Gracheva too looks to have a bright future, but Kostyuk is a cut above the Russian and should be the player to reach the fourth round.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Coco Gauff vs Jennifer Brady
Andrew:
This section has really opened up now for one of these contenders to snatch a quarterfinal place. Despite continuing service problems Gauff has done well to progress to her seeded round. Brady has had the tougher route though and really pulled out all the stops against Fiona Ferro. I think that sharper match practice will be the decisive factor here.
Prediction: Brady in 3
Damian:
The last month or so has been the best in Gauff’s short career, and the youngster shows no sign of slowing down. Her performance under pressure and emotional maturity go far beyond her years, and while Brady will have her chances, her serve and forehand would be able to do a lot more damage to Gauff on a faster surface.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Jim:
Cori Gauff arrives in the third round having won her last seven matches and is surely full of confidence as a result. But Jennifer Brady is good enough to really test her young compatriot, even if clay is not her preferred surface. Ultimately, however, Gauff’s exceptional movement and willingness to change direction early in the rally should see her into the Round of 16.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
