Expect plenty of exciting tennis on day seven at the French Open with a spot in the second week on the line for 16 competitors. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Aryna Sabalenka vs Paula Badosa. But who will secure their place in the last 16?
French Open Day 7 Predictions
Mirra Andreeva vs Peyton Stearns
Jordan: This is a fascinating matchup. Both players strike the ball very cleanly, although Peyton Stearns will rely slightly more on that against the athletic Mirra Andreeva. The American will need a similar performance to her last one against Daria Kasatkina, who she blasted off the court. In her current form, she may just about be able to do it again.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Yesh: Andreeva might be the most talked about and anticipated young player on Tour, but don’t Peyton Stearns. Stearns left college early, and it’s obviously looking like the right decision. Her game is impressive everywhere, and she’s finally finding the same movement on clay that she has on hard courts. I think she’ll be able to overpower the Russian, especially the longer this match goes.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Glenys: Youngster Andreeva defeated Victoria Azarenka in the last round. In an enthralling match, the 17-year-old edged out the 19th seed. Stearns defeated the 10th seed last round in straight sets. The pair have met once on tour, in Dubai this season. The American came out on top in that match after three sets
Prediction: Sterns in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Madison Keys vs Emma Navarro
Jordan: Madison Keys is one of the most in-form players at the moment. Only Iga Swiatek has beaten her on red clay so far in 2024. But Emma Navarro could become the second player on that list. Her excellent return and athleticism are crucial tools to beating Keys. Protecting her weaker serve may not always be easy, but the younger American is backed to cause a shock in Paris.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Yesh: Navarro was a standout in college and looks to be a top-tier professional now. Her improvement was impressive as soon as she turned pro, and it’s rapidly increasing now. But Keys is playing like her Slam-final-reaching self from seven years ago. She might go all the way here.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Glenys: Keys and Navarro have met twice on tour. They have won one each, both back in 2023. This all American match sees two seeds against each other. Neither have dropped a set yet, so this will be a very tight match.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Ana Bogdan
Jordan: Ana Bogdan’s consistency was too much for Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the last round. Elina Svitolina is a much tougher matchup for her. The Ukrainian can match Bogdan’s defensive skills and the firepower from her forehand means her game is more complete overall, making her a major favourite.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Yesh: Svitolina might not look quite as impressive as she did right when she returned from maternity, but she’s still playing really well. I don’t expect her to struggle too much here.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Glenys: Svitolina and Bogdan have met once this year. In the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers the pair faced off in singles. The Romanian came out on top in three sets that time. Svitolina has dropped one set so far here at the French Open, whereas Bogdan has not.
Prediction: Bogdan in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Bianca Andreescu vs Jasmine Paolini
Jordan: Bianca Andreescu has defied expectations in her first tournament back since a long injury. The Canadian does not have anything to lose here and can swing freely against Jasmine Paolini. The Italian was loose at times in the previous round against Hailey Baptiste but still came through. Overcoming Paolini’s intensity may just be a step too for Andreescu.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Yesh: When she first appeared on the scene, Andreescu looked unbeatable. Injuries and time have been horrible for her career, and she hasn’t looked close to that self since. Paolini, meanwhile, has very quietly become one of the best in the world–on clay at the very least. It’s going to be a quiet second-week showing for the Italian.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Glenys: Andreescu came back from a first set dominated by her opponent last round. The Canadian fought back well and over came the 23rd seed, Paolini is the 12th seed and so far has not dropped a set to make this stage. The Italian should have no trouble overcoming Andreescu to move on
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
