The last two women’s semifinalists at the French Open will be set on Day 11. The two winners of Wednesday’s matches will face each other on Thursday. But who will win? Our writers share their thoughts on the matches. Predicting these two quarterfinal matches are Jim Smith, Damian Kust, Fraser Learmonth, and Yesh Ginsburg.
French Open Day 11 Women’s Predictions
Maria Sakkari vs Iga Swiatek
Jim:
Maria Sakkari has been playing some superb tennis in Paris. In fact, it is hard to believe at times that this will be her first appearance in a Grand Slam quarterfinal. Unfortunately, she finds herself in the same quarter as the defending champion Iga Swiatek, who has looked every bit as impressive as she did in storming to the title last year. This will be her biggest test of the tournament so far, but she should be well-equipped to pass it.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Damian:
Just like there’s no stopping Nadal at Paris this year, Swiatek is looking like a very firm favorite to win the whole thing now. Her maturity goes so far beyond her years and the unique spinny strokes allow her to dictate while not taking that much unnecessary risk. She’s won her last 22 sets at Roland Garros and she should keep adding to that count.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Fraser:
It is something of a travesty that these two are meeting this early. Given their level over the course of the tournament, Swiatek and Sakkari are favorites one and two respectively to lift the trophy. They have both been superb and look determined to take the crown this year. Swiatek is yet to lose or drop a set at Roland Garros and has looked as breathtakingly good this year as she did last. Sakkari was one of my players to watch at the start of this year and has justified that selection this week with some brilliant tennis. Whoever wins this has to be the favourite to win it all. Despite my soft spot for the Greek, I have to give the edge to an inspired Iga Swiatek here. This could well be the match of the tournament and I think Swiatek’s experience at this tournament will allow her to hold her nerve and edge a close one. Don’t be surprised if she finally drops a set, but she should come through eventually.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Yesh:
It is impossible to overstate how dominant Swiatek is at this tournament right now. Comparing her to Rafael Nadal might be premature, but it’s not inaccurate. She is owning the clay the way he did when he was 19 years old as well. Will her dominance continue for over 15 years like Nadal’s has? That I won’t pretend to know. But right now, no one on this surface is beating the Pole. No one is even coming close.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Coco Gauff vs Barbora Krejcikova
Jim:
This may be Cori Gauff’s first Grand Slam quarterfinal, but it almost certainly won’t be her last. One could say the same of Barbora Krejcikova, whose focus on singles has yielded some impressive results. Neither missed a beat in the fourth round and if they maintain that level this should be some match. But Krejcikova looks the more natural clay-courter, for now at least, and her versatility should just about give her the edge over the teenaged American.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Damian:
Players who shined in the warm-ups just before a Grand Slam often flop in the main event, but it’s clearly not the case with Gauff and Krejcikova. Both women claimed WTA titles in the past month and they’re not slowing down at all with nine matches won on the spin. Neither has been at this stage of a Grand Slam before but they probably won’t be too fazed by the occasion–Gauff doesn’t seem to be stressed out about much at all, while Krejcikova has a ton of doubles experience to rely on. There’s very little to separate the two and in the case of such a toss-up, I’ll go with the player whom I consider more talented and who has the higher upside at the moment.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Fraser:
This is an incredible opportunity for both players. Gauff continues to perform incredibly well in big tournaments and has put her doubters–myself included–in their place time and time again since bursting onto the WTA scene. The teen sensation is here to stay and looks set for a glittering career. That could start earlier than expected with a dream run in Paris but she must first navigate a tircky test in Krejcikova. The Czech catapulted into the top 100 last year on the back of a great run in this very tournament. She clearly enjoys the clay courts at Roland Garros and has looked immense all tournament. Both of these players are playing at a very high level. I think Gauff has the higher ceiling, but Krejcikova is a little bit more comfortable on the clay. This could go either way but I’m going to back the Czech on the basis of her red dirt prowess.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Yesh:
Somehow I consistently underestimate Coco Gauff, and I should really stop doing that. Then again, I’ve also consistently underestimated Barbora Krejcikova this entire tournament (and entire clay season, really) as well. The American has the much bigger upside and will win numerous Majors. Krejcikova, though, likes the clay better right now, and she’s just playing so well that I think she finally takes Gauff out of her comfort zone.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
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