The women’s tournament is shaping up for an exciting finish with the question on everyone’s lips being the same, can anyone stop Iga Swiatek? As always, we here at LWOT will preview and predict every match. Who can take out the defending champion?
French Open Day 9 Predictions
Coco Gauff vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova
Damian Kust: Gauff defeated the sensational 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva and while the Russian was visibly physically/mentally fatigued in the last two sets, the defense of the 6th seed was sensational and she was violent on 2nd serve return. After that sort of performance, it would seem like Schmiedlova shouldn’t present that much of a challenge.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Andreas Pelekis: Gauff survived a scare against Mirra Andreeva, a match that will definitely take some of the pressure off her shoulders. Spare a thought for Schmiedlova, who took out 13th seed Kudermetova and finds herself in the second week at a major for the first time. However, I think Schmiedlova is far less dangerous than Andreeva, and Gauff should be relaxed and confident going into this one.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Yeshayahu Ginsburg: Coco Gauff isn’t playing amazingly, but she’s winning and upping her game when it counts. She should be able to do the same again.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Damian: Sorribes Tormo came back from an injury fairly recently and she was given a bit of a helping hand with Elena Rybakina’s withdrawal as she was likely to get blown off the court there. Haddad Maia won’t quite dominate her like that, but the Brazilian’s mental block when it comes to performing at the Slams seems to be gone by now.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Andreas: Haddad Maia has definitely dealt with numerous amounts of pressure trying to carve out a run in a grand slam. This tournament has been a big step up, as she never made the third round of a major until now. Into the second week for the first time, her weapons definitely make her the heavy favorite, but Sorribes Tormo’s messy game brings out the absolute worst in players. Especially benefiting from a break after Rybakina’s withdrawal, Sorribes Tormo may have the edge. I feel that WTA pressure and “upset city” will spoil this match.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Yesh: Beatriz Haddad Maia is finally bringing her general form to the Majors. It took her a year, but she’s playing so well and doesn’t look like she’s faltering. Sorribes Tormo will challenge her, but it won’t be enough.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
[cta id=591 type=cta]
Ons Jabeur vs Bernarda Pera
Damian: Jabeur has really been living up to her high seed status this week and survived an extremely tough challenge from Olga Danilovic. Pera isn’t going to go down easy and she’s an expert clay-courter, particularly because of her heavy lefty topspin. It should be a rule that you have to pick at least one upset a day and this will be mine for Monday.
Prediction: Pera in 3
Andreas: Jabeur survived one of the best matches of the French Open on the women’s side. Danilovic definitely gave Jabeur a tough run, failing to capitalize on a 6-4 4-4 advantage and winning only two more games. Against a solid player like Pera, Jabeur will need to keep the ball deep and stay consistent, as Pera’s game will keep her in many rallies. With Jabeur’s experience, she should get through another tight match.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Yesh: Ons Jabeur had an injury scare before this event, but she seems perfectly healthy here. Her all-court game is too much for most players, Bernarda Pera included.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Iga Swiatek vs Lesia Tsurenko
Damian: We’ve seen this one very recently at Rome (and at the French Open last year) and it wasn’t close at all. Tsurenko is probably playing a tiny bit better right now, but is her game explosive enough to take the racket out of Świątek’s hands? It’s not and the Pole should find it relatively easy to control the rallies here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Andreas: Tsurenko defied the odds by taking out Andreescu in the third round. Even more surprising, her 6-1 6-1 win over the Canadian was one of the shortest matches of the tournament, as Tsurenko fired 20 winners to just 12 unforced errors. Unfortunately, she has to play the world No. 1, who’s absolutely playing like one. If Tsurenko’s match seemed short, Swiatek’s match took a mere 50 minutes. Swiatek may copy Tsurenko’s scoreline if she maintains her level.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Yesh: Lesia Tsurenko is in the midst of a great run of form. She’s playing so well, and could be a threat to beat just about anyone. Just about anyone–but not Iga Swiatek. The Pole is so dominant, and her biggest threat withdrew with illness. She isn’t falling here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
