The third round of the women’s singles at the French Open begins on Day 6. There are eight matches scheduled for Friday, and our writers share their thoughts on all of them for you. We split the matches between this and a separate article–featuring Coco Gauff vs Dayana Yastremska. Predicting today’s matches are Jack Edward, Andreas Pelekis, and Jordan Reynolds.
French Open Day Predictions
Clara Tauson vs Sofia Kenin
Jack:
There was a time Tauson was the next big thing. Injuries took hold though so her form has been a little difficult to rely on from match to match. Kenin’s a former finalist here for a reason and she showed it against Garcia. It should be enough to squeak passed the Dane.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Andreas:
Kenin did well to stun Caroline Garcia on the Frenchwoman’s home turf, but Tauson is a difficult task for the American. Tauson pulled off arguably the biggest upset of the French Open after defeating Jelena Ostapenko, and she’ll have a lot of confidence as a result. Picking Tauson to reach the fourth round, at a tournament where she’s especially thrived.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Jordan:
Both women got outstanding wins in the last round, with Tauson overcoming Jelena Ostapenko, while Kenin beat Caroline Garcia. I like Kenin’s chances better in this specific matchup. Tauson is a very powerful player but that style is very similar to Garcia, who Kenin disarmed superbly in the last round.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Olga Danilovic vs Donna Vekic
Jack:
An exceptional win for Danilovic over Collins has left us in no doubt. Whilst Vekic is a fantastic player, her clay court pedigree isn’t quite as good and she’s sustained a lot of heavy blows this year. Danilovic is on the rise and ready at the French.
Prediction: Danilovic in 3
Andreas:
Danilovic avenged a heartbreaking loss to Danielle Collins in Madrid, by stunning the American 6-7 (3) 7-5 6-4. Meanwhile, Vekic has looked impressive this tournament, taking advantage of an injured opponent but then cruising past 18th seeded Maria Kostyuk in straight sets. While Danilovic arguably claimed the more impressive win, I feel that there may be more of a challenge for her to back up the win.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Jordan:
Danilovic’s stunning victory against Danielle Collins meant Vekic also causing an upset against Marta Kostyuk went slightly under the radar. Both women are powerful hitters and this will come down to who implements that style better. Right now, I think Danilovic is slightly more likely to do that on clay.
Prediction: Danilovic in 3
Chloe Paquet vs Marketa Vondrousova
Jack:
For such a steady looking game, there have been a lot of odd dips from Vondrousova recently. There are seeds of doubt going into the match, perhaps enough for home player Paquet to be spurred on and take advantage… probably just for a set however with Vondrousova potentially falling in the next round.
Prediction: Paquet in 3
Andreas:
Paquet survived a thrilling three setter against 32nd seed Katerina Siniakova, winning in a final set tiebreak. While Vondrousova hasn’t looked great this tournament, she has experience on the clay courts, and should use her drop shot to move Pacquet around. With the French crowd behind Paquet, this match may go deep into a third set.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Jordan:
Paquet’s deciding set tiebreak win over Katerina Siniakova was one of the matches of the tournament so far. Vondrousova did well to beat the tricky Katie Volynets from a set down and the Czech should come through this match as well. Her spins and variety are an ideal way to disrupt Pacquet’s game.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Marie Bouzkova
Jack:
Osaka was probably just the wake-up call Swiatek needed. She’s playing with house money now. Bouzkova’s consistent but lightweight hitting won’t affect the world #1’s game an iota.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Andreas:
After surviving a titanic encounter against Naomi Osaka, Swiatek will look to reach the second week of the French Open for the sixth time. Bouzkova has a solid serve and good footwork, but she doesn’t have the game to overpower Swiatek, something necessary to defeat the Pole. Look for Swiatek to notch her 14th consecutive win, in what has become an impressive win streak.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan:
Swiatek needed a lot to win a memorable match with Naomi Osaka. However, she is very unlikely to face problems again in this matchup. Bouzkova’s game is based on consistency and the world No. 1 dominates opponents with that style on clay.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
