With 16 intriguing second-round matches on the slate on day four in Paris, it promises to be another exciting day at the French Open. As ever, we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Caroline Garcia vs Anna Blinkova, Jessica Pegula vs Camila Giorgi and Aryna Sabalenka vs Iryna Shymanovich. But who will secure their spot in the last 32?
French Open Day 4 Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Storm Hunter
The resurgence of Elina Svitolina has been startling. The Ukranian turned her season around in two tournaments, proving she still has the level to consistently dismiss quality opponents. Storm Sanders has had a good run but the weapons she used against Parrizas Diaz won’t have the same effect against the former world #3.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Shane: Former-world# 3 Elina Svitolina is coming off an improbable Strasbourg title run as a wildcard. She continued her in-form play by dispatching 26th seed Martina Trevisan in her opener in Paris. I see Svitolina having no trouble getting by world #204 Storm Sanders.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Glenys: Svitolina eased through the first round, taking out 26th seed to reach this stage. Hunter came through qualifying into the main draw. A three set fight saw her get to this stage. They have only met once on tour, in 2020 on hard court, which Svitolina took. The Ukrainian should again take this match but it won’t necessarily be easy.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
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Zheng Qinwen vs Yulia Putintseva
Zheng Qinwen didn’t come to Paris to get knocked out in the second round. She’s consistently defeating lower-ranked opponents (12-0 against 50+ ranked players this year) whilst losing to higher-ranked opponents (7-9 against top 50 opponents this year) —it’s just a question of when she can start winning those tighter matches. At this stage in the tournament, Yulia Putintseva shouldn’t pose too much of a threat.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Shane: Zheng is incredibly consistent for a 20-year-old player. Putintseva, a former-quarterfinalist here, will pressure her off both wings, but I do not think she has the consistency to hold up in a baseline battle against Zheng.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
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Glenys: Zheng is the 19th seed and eased through the first round match. Putintseva had a more difficult match but managed to edge through in straight sets. The Chinese player shouldn’t have any problems getting into the next round.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
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Mayar Sherif vs Anastasia Potapova
This could be a tight match depending on which Anastasia Potapova turns up. I’ve got high hopes for her this tournament, however—she’s defeated some excellent opponents this season and is one of the few players that can hit through the conditions here in Paris. Mayar Sherif is an accomplished clay-courter who can trouble the Russian but Potapova’s power should see her eventually take the win.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Anastasia Potapova draws a tough second-round matchup against Mayar Sherif. Both women are playing well and should bring their best on Wednesday. I believe Potapova’s power will be the difference in this one.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Glenys: The Egyptian and Russian have not met on tour to this point. Potapova is the seeded player, but expect Sherif to make a match of this. Both had easy first-round wins, but that won’t follow into this one. It will be a tricky match for both. Don’t be surprised if the Egyptian pulls off the upset/
Prediction: Sherif in 3
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Daria Kasatkina vs Marketa Vondrousova
I’m big on Marketa Vondrousova this tournament. Daria Kasatkina will attempt to win the war of attrition but Vondrousova should have the answers to whatever the Russian throws at her. If the conditions continue to stay as slow as they are, you’ve got to fancy the lefty forehand and drop shot combo of the former finalist.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Shane: This is a tough second-round draw for the ninth seed. Vondrousova is 9-2 on the clay this year and is playing with incredible confidence. Kasatkina’s combination of power and variety will be tough to handle, but I believe Vondrousova has the chops to pull off this upset.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Glenys: Level on head-to-head, and one win each on clay this will be an exciting match up. Ninth seed Kasatkina should be the favourite, but the Czech can hold her own on the surface. Both the last matches played have gone the distance, this will be no different
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
