Day 11 at the French Open will see the last two women’s quarterfinals. Who will punch their tickets to the last four? We’re here to offer our thoughts on both of Wednesday’s matches. Predicting these two matches are Jim Smith, Damian Kust, Pablo Mosquera, Nurein Ahmed, and myself (Yesh Ginsburg).
French Open Day 11 Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Petra Kvitova vs Laura Siegemund
Jim:
This should be a very entertaining match. Siegemund may be relatively unorthodox in her approach, but she is an experienced campaigner and more than at home on the clay. Kvitova, in contrast, has enjoyed more success on hard and grass courts than she has the red dirt. But, she should still have the edge in this match. Siegemund’s variety will keep the Czech from being comfortable, but Kvitova’s power should allow her to hit through Siegemund and into her second French Open semifinal.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Damian:
The German has been making good results on clay events throughout her career (especially in Stuttgart), and it’s great she finally made a run at the biggest event played on this surface. But I think her road ends here as she’s facing perhaps the top contender for the title right now. Even on the clay (and it seems like she’s one of these who benefit from the new balls etc.), Petra’s peak level is beyond ridiculous and something probably unattainable for Siegemund.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Pablo:
This is uncharted territory for Siegemund, who has made her first ever Major quarterfinal despite starting slow every match. In her very first set of the tournament, only subpar officiating and poor sportsmanship prevented her from losing 6-1 to Kiki Mladenovic, who later imploded. Then, both Julia Goerges and Petra Martic held a one-set advantage, while Paula Badosa also squandered a 5-3 lead in the first. Anyway, the German deserves a lot of credit for not going away. Meanwhile, Kvitova has reached the quarters in Paris for the first time in eight years. It would be really surprising if she went all the way, but Siegemund and her drop shots won’t stop the Czech lefty.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Nurein:
You can only deal with whatever is in front of you and Petra Kvitova has taken full advantage of her generous bottom section of draw. This is now a golden opportunity for the Czech to add to her Grand Slam tally with a host of big names already eliminated. While Siegemund has done ever so well to reach this stage and certainly not entirely out of question to spring an upset, Kvitova tends to be difficult to crack at the business end of tournaments.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Yesh:
Siegemund is having one of the best tournaments of her life and is playing well. She’s no match for Kvitova generally, though, and with the intensity of the latter rounds of a Major, I don’t think the German will be able to keep up an intense level long enough to take this match.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Sofia Kenin vs Danielle Collins
Jim:
Considering the fact that Kenin’s only previous clay-court match this season ended in a 0-6 0-6 loss at the hands of Victoria Azarenka, it has been some showing for the Australian Open champion in Paris. And, encouragingly for her chances, she seems to have been getting better with every match. Of course, Collins, who has been hugely impressive in her own right, should not be underestimated. But Kenin has that much more variety and tactical awareness. Expect it to give her a decisive advantage.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Damian:
The fact that Collins will be playing for the second day in a row shouldn’t matter too much. The American’s run came as a huge surprise but her game is very well suited to the conditions in Paris this year. This will be all about her trying to take the initiative and keep Kenin behind. Can she keep her error count low enough to consistently do that? I think she just might as I’m not that impressed with the Australian Open champion’s game on the clay.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Pablo:
The winner of this All-American matchup will have completed an unexpected run to the French Open semifinals (or better). Kenin was on the wrong end of an infamous double bagel against Victoria Azarenka in Rome, while Collins entered the tournament riding a three-match skid dating back to the Australian Open. Yes, that was not a typo, the two-time NCAA champion had not won a match since January. Neither has looked particularly dominant in Paris, having dropped a combined six sets through four rounds. However, I believe Collins high-powered game is better suited to hit through these heavy conditions, despite her streakiness. Besides, Kenin has never taken a set off the former University of Virginia star in three career encounters (including both WTA and ITF matches).
Prediction: Collins in 3
Nurein:
Sofia Kenin spoke fondly of her blossoming love for clay after that comeback win over Fiona Ferro. It was a match that she could have quite easily let slip, but her resilience was on show and fought back against a very dangerous opponent. Kenin’s next test will be against fellow American Danielle Collins, who seems to have addressed her recent poor showings at the Slams with an impressive run of results this fortnight. This will a tight contest, but I think Kenin has warmed up nicely for this one after a playing a red hot Ferro in the fourth round. Collins, like the Frenchwoman is a very aggressive baseliner, and will look to dictate points with her powerful forehand. But expect the Australian Open champion’s perfectly-manned defense to come out on top.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Yesh:
Kenin has the better career resume, even though it’s much shorter, but she has looked very vulnerable at times this tournament. Collins has been no world-beater, but I like her game better in these conditions, while the younger American seemed to have been struggling a bit with pressure the last few matches. Maybe the pressure gets to Collins as she seeks her second Major semifinal, but I’m thinking she should be able to be aggressive enough to eke this match out.
Prediction: Collins in 3
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