The third round of both the women’s and men’s singles events start on Day 6 of the French Open. As always, our staff here at LWOT shares our thoughts on the matches with you. We split the Day 6 between this and a separate article. matches Predicting Friday’s matches are Jakub Bobro, Damian Kust, and Jack Edward. Who do you think will advance to Round 4?
French Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions
Sloane Stephens vs Yulia Putintseva
Jakub:
All five of their previous meetings have gone three sets with both players usually going through various ups and downs. With Sloane Stephens dominating Karolina Pliskova and Varvara Gracheva though, I think Putintseva will have a much harder time getting a set than usual.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Damian:
You never know what to expect with Stephens, but she’s been absolutely fabulous so far. While I have my reservations due to the nature of the matchup (two counter-punchers playing each other) and her run in Paris from two years ago (looked amazing then suddenly won two games vs Krejcikova), I gotta believe she’ll bring it again.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Jack:
Yulia Putintseva’s upset over Qinwen Zheng suggests one thing—it’s mighty slow in Paris. She should be comfortable grinding out point after point against Sloane Stephens. The American has put together a couple of great wins but her up and down form going into the tournament makes it tough to trust her against a player that will likely drive her up the wall.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
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Elina Svitolina vs Anna Blinkova
Jakub:
Rematch of last week’s Strasbourg final which Svitolina won 6-3 6-3. Blinkova has taken out Caroline Garcia since then but I still see Svitolina as a favorite here, despite dropping a set to Storm Hunter.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Damian:
A rematch for the Strasbourg final, which saw Svitolina find her first title since the pregnancy. It was tight, though, and there’s no reason why it wouldn’t be again. Blinkova’s a little more wild and unpredictable and I’ll take the steady Svitolina to prevail.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Jack:
In a rematch of last week’s final in Strasbourg, Elina Svitolina threatens to repeat her win over Anna Blinkova in the third round of the French Open. Whilst Blinkova was great in her win over Caroline Garcia, the match-up and the form of the Frenchwoman arguably made her the favourite going into the match. Svitolina is a different kettle of fish and is starting to look as reliable as ever.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Clara Tauson vs Elina Avanesyan
Jakub:
Avanesyan has really taken that lucky loser spot to heart, first getting to play a rusty Belinda Bencic and then Leolie Jeanjean to reach the third round of a slam. Tauson came through qualifying and after ripping through Aliaksandra Sasnovich, she battled past Leylah Fernandez. The Dane should be a solid favorite here.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
Damian:
Tauson struggled with a back issue in the second round, but her incredibly easy power allowed her to fight through it. The Dane has just as much potential as we thought before the injuries came and maybe more. If she’s fine physically, she should be getting into the fourth round here.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Jack:
My hype for Clara Tauson is getting restored quickly. Her win over Leylah Fernandez, who should have been a difficult match-up for her, was extremely assuring. Elina Avanesyan can hit big but Tauson at her best is a terrifying sight to behold.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Elise Mertens
Jakub:
After dealing with Danielle Collins in her opener, Pegula had to play just one set before Camila Giorgi retired in her second round. Mertens beat two potentially tricky opponents out of qualifying in straight sets, ousting Viktoria Hruncakova and Camila Osorio. The Belgian has won both of their previous matches, though both on hard. Pegula will face her toughest test so far but I believe she will overcome Mertens.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Damian:
There are some parallels between their play styles, with both achieving really consistent results, but struggling to punch above their weight even for a match and step out of their comfort zones. In a way, you could argue that Pegula does everything that Mertens does, but does it better.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Jack:
Jessica Pegula will be under most people’s radars but she’s still playing at a high level, she’s still able to maintain that level from match to match and she still looks like a solid favourite to make a run to the last eight. Elise Mertens is as consistent as the American but plays at a lower base level. There shouldn’t be many surprises here.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
