With four intriguing matches on the slate on doubles quarterfinal day at the Paris Olympics, there should be plenty of action for the fans to enjoy at Roland Garros. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including in the women’s singles and across the men’s draw. But who will book their spot in the semifinals and guarantee themselves a shot at a medal?
Paris Olympics Doubles Quarterfinal Predictions
Karolina Muchova/Linda Noskova vs Hsieh Su-wei/Tsao Chia Yi
Jim: This should be an entertaining match that presents an engaging clash of styles. But it is hard not to like Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova’s chances – particularly after their victory over Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff in the second round. Hsieh Su-wei is a canny operator and the Taiwanese pair have both played some fine tennis, but the Czech’s have the greater weight of shot and plenty of quality in the forecourt to boot.
Prediction: Muchova/Noskova in 3
Jordan: Muchova and Noskova did not receive much attention before the tournament due to the more illustrious Czech pairing of Katerina Siniakova and Barbora Krejcikova. However, they have gelled terrifically as a team. The Taiwanese pair are good doubles players, but I like Muchova and Noskova’s chances here.
Prediction: Muchova/Noskova in 2
Yesh: Muchova and Noskova both look so good and comfortable on this court, and they’re playing well together. They just took out the top seeds, and I don’t expect the Taiwanese pair to be as tough a battle.
Prediction: Muchova/Noskova in 2
Sara Errani/Jasmine Paolini vs Katie Boulter/Heather Watson
Jim: Katie Boulter and Heather Watson have excelled so far at the Paris Olympics. But this will be a very stern test for the Britons. Sara Errani is one of the most experienced operators on the tour, whilst Jasmine Paolini has been in the form of her life and contested the French Open final on these very courts less than two months ago. This might just be a challenge too far for Boulter and Watson – but expect them to go down swinging.
Prediction: Errani/Paolini in 3
Jordan: Boulter and Watson have surprised me with their run in Paris. There is a good chance of that ending at the hands of Paolini and Errani. The Italians reached the French Open together, but their level has actually been even better so far at the Olympics. They should have enough to progress again.
Prediction: Errani/Paolini in 2
Yesh: The Italians pulled off a great comeback to reach this stage, and neither is left in any other event. There are no distractions, and they like the clay better than the Brits do.
Prediction: Errani/Paolini in 3
Cristina Bucsa/Sara Sorribes Tormo vs Nadiia Kichenok/Lyudmyla Kichenok
Jim: This could probably go either way, but Nadiia and Lyudmyla Kichenok’s greater experience on the doubles court, both together and with other partners, might jut give them a decisive edge against the Spanish pair.
Prediction: Kichenok/Kichenok in 3
Jordan: I make the Kichenok sisters overwhelming favourites in this matchup. The Spanish pair have not played a pair of their quality so far at the Olympics. They will not trouble the Ukrainians if they are near their best.
Prediction: Kichenok/Kichenok in 2
Yesh: The Kichenok sisters did so well to come back and upset the Americans in the last round. It was a rough day for Danielle Collins, but she was just outplayed. The Ukrainians are so smooth and play with such rhythm on the court that I think they’ll medal here.
Prediction: Kichenok/Kichenok in 2
Mirra Andreeva/Diana Shnaider vs Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova
Jim: Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova both crashed out of the singles rather earlier than they would have liked, but it was arguably in the doubles where they were likeliest to pose a threat – even if Krejcikova came into the Paris Olympics fresh from winning her second Major at Wimbledon. They have made smooth progress into the quarterfinals and whilst Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider should offer a tougher test, it would be a surprise to see them beat the Czechs.
Prediction: Krejcikova/Siniakova in 2
Jordan: It is going to be hard for any pair to stop Krejcikova and Siniakova. There are a couple of pairs who have a realistic chance against them, but I do not think Andreeva and Shnaider are one of them. The overall class of the Czech’s make them strong favourites.
Prediction: Krejcikova/Siniakova in 2
Yesh: We are on track for an all-Czech final here. Krejcikova has been the best woman on these courts all week (other than Swiatek), and Siniakova is a tremendous doubles player. She might even win two Golds between this and Mixed.
Prediction: Krejcikova/Siniakova in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
