On Monday, Day 9, we will set the final quarterfinal lineup at the French Open. Day 9 will see four women’s matches, and we’re going to predict them all for you. Who will win? Who will go home? We’ll give you our best thoughts on the matches. Predicting these matches are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Jim Smith, and David Gertler.
French Open Day 9 Women’s Predictions
Katerina Siniakova vs Madison Keys
Jim:
Siniakova scored surely the best win of her singles career by upending world #1 Naomi Osaka in the third round in straight sets. That win will surely have given her confidence ahead of her clash with another big-hitter in Keys. The American has not exactly breezed into the second week, but she has shown impressive grit and determination to reach the fourth round. This looks to be a close match on paper, but expect the greater variety of Siniakova, currently the world’s best doubles player, to be enough to swing it in her favor.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
David:
After beating World No. 1 Naomi Osaka, Katerina Siniakova takes on Madison Keys. Siniakova, after a brutal battle against Maria Sakkari in the second round, had a much easier time against Osaka, only dropping six games. Keys has struggled the past couple rounds, despite a relatively easy draw, but has come through each time. Siniakova is more experienced than a player like Kenin, who also secured a big upset. She has beaten big-name players before, having taken down players such as Caroline Wozniacki, Garbine Muguruza, Victoria Azarenka, and Maria Sharapova in the past, so she will not be too overexcited after beating Osaka. She will frustrate Keys with her defense and consistency. Siniakova moves on to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Yesh:
Siniakova has to feel like she’s on top of the world right now. She just demolished World #1 Naomi Osaka, and she gets to face Madison Keys for a spot in the quarterfinals. Keys is an elite player, but she’s at hear weakest off hard courts. Expect Siniakova’s familiarity with the surface to see her through.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Simona Halep vs Iga Swiatek
Jim:
With few of the top seeds left in the draw, defending champion Halep must be feeling increasingly confident about her chances of retaining her title. The Romanian delivered her most assured performance of the tournament so far to dismiss a weary looking Lesia Tsurenko for the loss of just three games. But she will have her work cut out for her against Poland’s Swiatek, a teenager full of talent. Ultimately though, Halep’s experience should come up trumps.
Prediction: Halep in 3
David:
Simona Halep continues her quest for a second French Open as she battles Iga Swiatek. Halep finally secured a comfortable victory in the third round, losing only three games to Lesia Tsurenko. Swiatek, who just turned 18 years old, reached her first round of 16 in a Major with a comeback victory over Monica Puig. Halep is the clear favorite, at this point, to take the title, in large part due to her consistency and counterpunching skills. Swiatek has done well to get to this point, and will certainly be back at this stage in the future, but won’t be good enough to really push Halep.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Yesh:
Iga Swiatek is in the midst of a Slam breakthrough, but it ends here. With all of the seeds that have fallen out of the draw, Halep has to feel like she’s the heavy favorite to repeat for the title. She’s definitely getting through to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Ashleigh Barty vs Sofia Kenin
Jim:
Kenin scored the win of her life against an admittedly out of sorts Serena Williams, but she will need to guard against a let down against Barty. The Australian has enjoyed a terrific season and though the red clay is not her preferred surface, she is proving an increasingly adept operator on it. Her wicked slice and net game look likely to be enough to counter Kenin’s powerful hitting.
Prediction: Barty in 2
David:
After surprising Serena Wiliams, Sofia Kenin will take on Ashleigh Barty with a trip to the quarterfinals on the line. Kenin played magnificent, attacking tennis in beating Serena Williams in straight sets to reach the round of 16. Barty has not dropped a set yet this tournament, easily beating Andrea Petkovic to reach the round of 16. The head to head is 2-0 for Barty, including a win over Kenin on the green clay of Charleston, and another win over her on indoor hard during Fed Cup this year. In fact, Barty hasn’t ever dropped a set against the American. Expect the relatively inexperienced Kenin to perhaps have a little bit of slip after such a great performance over an all-time great, and for Barty to move on to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Yesh:
Kenin is fresh off taking out Serena Williams, but beating Barty will be much tougher. The Australian is in better form, and it will be hard to keep her level with all the excitement from beating Serena. Kenin is a star of the future, but this is Barty’s time right now.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Amanda Anisimova vs Aliona Bolsova
Jim:
What a chance this is for one of these two players to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal. Anisimova has picked up where she left off at the Australian Open, blasting through draw and playing with a composure well beyond her years. Bolsova, meanwhile, scrapped through the qualifying but has not yet dropped a set in the main draw. This has the makings of a fine clash, but Bolsova’s greater momentum and affinity for the clay should help her just shade it and book her spot in the last eight.
Prediction: Bolsova in 3
David:
A great opportunity to go to a maiden Major quarterfinal awaits, as Amanda Anisimova takes on Aliona Bolsova Zadoinov. Anisimova has already won a clay court title this year in Bogota, and has not dropped a set so far at Roland Garros. Bolsova Zadoinov came through qualifying, but has not dropped a set in the main draw. Anisimova plays much more aggressive than Zadoinov, and is the better player. Look for her to secure a comfortable victory over Bolsova Zadoinov to reach her first Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Yesh:
Right now, Anisimova looks like she might be the favorite to win the whole tournament. Bolsova might have more experience on clay, but Anisimova has the power and confidence to beat anyone in the world right now.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Agree with our Day 9 predictions? Disagree? Let us know in the comments what you think will happen on Day 9.
