The second week begins at Roland Garros, the French Open, with quarterfinal spots up for grabs and several fascinating women’s matchups on the schedule. Former champions, resurgent veterans, and breakthrough contenders are all in action as our writers share their thoughts and predictions for Day 8.
French Open Day 8 Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Marta Kostyuk
Zain:
Despite not dropping a set so far this tournament, Iga Swiatek is yet to play anywhere near her best level in Paris, something she may need to do against Marta Kostyuk, who has performed like a top-12 player in the world this year. The Ukrainian possesses the baseline game to trouble an underconfident Swiatek, but she has underperformed repeatedly in this matchup and at Majors in general. If Swiatek trusts her forehand in attack and uses her backhand effectively in defence, she should make another quarterfinal in Paris.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Tope:
Iga Swiatek has looked more functional than dominant so far, while Marta Kostyuk arrives riding tremendous momentum and playing some of the best clay-court tennis of her career. Although Swiatek has historically dominated this matchup, Kostyuk’s confidence and belief could make this the moment she breaks through.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Nurein:
Marta Kostyuk is enjoying a tremendous clay swing and arrives carrying an impressive winning streak, but Iga Swiatek appears to be improving with every round. Her trademark topspin and movement should eventually wear Kostyuk down, although it may take a hard-fought battle.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Belinda Bencic
Zain:
Both Elina Svitolina and Belinda Bencic have enjoyed seasons beyond expectations, making this an intriguing clash for a place in the quarterfinals. The matchup may come down to who dictates from the baseline, but Svitolina’s recent success in this rivalry and exceptional movement on clay give her a narrow edge.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Tope:
Elina Svitolina has consistently looked comfortable deep into majors and carries strong momentum into this contest. Belinda Bencic deserves credit for her run, but Svitolina’s defensive consistency and experience in these moments should prove decisive once the match becomes physical.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Nurein:
This meeting between two mothers on tour promises fascinating rallies and contrasting strengths. Belinda Bencic has looked sharp throughout the opening week, but Svitolina’s composure and defensive resilience should help her come through in the biggest moments.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Jil Teichmann
Zain:
Jil Teichmann’s run to the fourth round has been one of the stories of the tournament, with the Swiss left-hander using heavy topspin and defence effectively. Mirra Andreeva has shown occasional shakiness but still possesses the superior baseline quality and should have enough to advance if she serves well.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Tope:
Mirra Andreeva continues her push toward another deep Roland Garros run, but Jil Teichmann enters with nothing to lose after an inspired upset of Karolina Muchova. That freedom and confidence could make the Swiss dangerous enough to spring a surprise.
Prediction: Teichmann in 3
Nurein:
Jil Teichmann’s unexpected surge has already produced one major upset, but Mirra Andreeva represents a different level of challenge. The Russian’s superior shot weight and consistency from the baseline should shine through.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Sorana Cirstea vs Xiyu Wang
Zain:
Sorana Cirstea has arguably played some of the best tennis of her career this season and arrives fresh off a dominant performance. Xiyu Wang has impressed through qualifying and into the main draw, but Cirstea’s baseline level and confidence should carry her through a competitive contest.
Prediction: Cirstea in 3
Tope:
Sorana Cirstea’s emphatic previous-round victory underlined just how strong her form currently is, while Xiyu Wang has benefited from a favorable path. Cirstea’s experience and aggressive ball-striking should make this straightforward.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Nurein:
Xiyu Wang’s power and left-handed game have made this a breakthrough tournament, but Sorana Cirstea’s ability to take time away and lean on experience in pressure moments may ultimately prove decisive as she chases another memorable Roland Garros run.
Prediction: Cirstea in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
