We start the third round of the French Open on Friday. Day 6 will see eight women’s matches, and we’re predicting all of them for you. We’re looking at four matches in this article, and four in a second article. Predicting these matches today are Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and Sean Judge.
French Open Day 6 Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Jim:
This is a match that promises a great deal of entertainment for the fans in Paris. Alexandrova has excelled so far in Paris, but has not yet faced a player of Svitolina’s quality. And with the Ukrainian surely full of confidence after her win in Strasbourg, expect her to have just about too much for Alexandrova.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Damian:
With the draw Elina Svitolina has, she once again has to be regarded as one of the favorites for this event. The second set she lost to Renata Zarazua without winning a game is really worrying though. If this kind of dip happens here, she might be in real trouble.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Sean:
Elina Svitolina has been far from her best in her opening two rounds at the French Open and even lost a set 6-0 in her second round match. She still has decent form and is currently on a six match winning streak. Alexandrova has found herself struggling since the return but cruised through her opening rounds at Roland Garros. This match is going to be an interesting battle between two players with contrasting games.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Tsvetana Pironkova vs Barbora Krejcikova
Jim:
Could Pironkova be on the cusp of another deep run at a Major, just weeks after she stunned the tennis world at the US Open? Well, stranger things have certainly happened. Expect the Bulgarian to book her place in the second week at the French Open.
Prediction: Pironkova in 3
Damian:
Should be a fun match with neither of the players possessing a traditional clay-court game. Pironkova seems to have the edge with how well she’s been playing after coming back to the tour at the US Open.
Prediction: Pironkova in 2
Sean:
There is a great opportunity for Krejcikova to make her first appearance in the fourth round at a Grand Slam. She played a brilliant second round match and beat Strycova in a tight three set battle with her fellow Czech teammate. Pironkova has made a great comeback to her tennis career after reaching the Quarterfinals at the US Open. She got a walkover for her second round match as Serena Williams was forced to withdraw. This will be a close match between two players that have a great opportunity in reaching the second week at Roland Garros.
Prediction: Pironkova in 3
Kiki Bertens vs Katerina Siniakova
Jim:
Bertens has battled impressively so far, without quite managing to find her best tennis. But up against Siniakova, who has a taste for giant-killing in Paris and has looked sharp so far, that will need to change, and swiftly, if the Dutchwoman is to maintain her challenge for the French Open title. Unfortunately, there is little reason to expect it to.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Damian:
Bertens survived a huge battle against Sara Errani but had to be taken out of the court in a wheelchair, crying out of pain. The Dutchwoman has a fantastic, natural clay-court game but she just isn’t 100% physically this year at Roland Garros. At one point, this will be reflected in the result of her match. This could be it.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Sean:
Katerina Siniakova has played some brilliant tennis since starting on the clay and pushed Sabalenka to three sets in the Strasbourg 1uarterfinal. She cruised through her opening matches but her opponents were far from their best tennis too. Kiki Bertens has struggled to find her best form since the return of the tour but has scrapped through her opening two match at Roland Garros. She played a stellar match against Errani to win 8-6 in the decider before having to be wheeled off court because of cramps. Siniakova has had the more match play and has been the better player on the clay recently.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Eugenie Bouchard
Jim:
This should be a great match. Swiatek looks to have rediscovered the form that took her to the second week at the French Open last season, whilst Bouchard is in the midst of a broader renaissance. But it is the Pole who has looked more assured so far in Paris. Expect her to edge out the former World #5 in what could prove to be a thriller.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Damian:
Both ladies have picked up some great form, Bouchard doing well after the restart while Swiatek only found it right here in Paris. The young Pole has more tools to disrupt her opponent’s game and she can get close to unplayable when her big shots are working.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Sean:
Iga Swiatek has impressed so far as she has reached the third round at Roland Garros. She is yet to drop a set throughout the tournament and has hit more winners than unforced errors in both of her matches. Genie Bouchard has made a stellar comeback since the return to the tour in August. She has rose by over 200 spots in the rankings and has made the third round at a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017. This could be close as Bouchard has been playing well but I expect the teenager to prevail in this duel.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
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