We have a blockbuster two women’s quarterfinal matches set for Day 10 of the French Open on Tuesday. In one match, Coco Gauff takes on Ons Jabeur. In the other, World #1 and prohibitive favorite Iga Swiatek meets her biggest challenge yet–last year’s Wimbledon champion, Marketa Vondrousova. What do you think will happen? Our writers share their thoughts on both matches. Predicting the matches are Damian Kust, Jack Edward, Yesh Ginsburg, Jordan Reynolds, and Nurein Ahmed.
French Open Day 10 Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Marketa Vondrousova
Damian:
Yes, Osaka played a phenomenal match to almost take Swiatek out of the tournament in the second round. But that doesn’t change anything regarding her outright favorite status, outside of maybe adding some intrigue to her potential clash with Rybakina or Sabalenka. But we’re not quite there yet and the Pole should keep cruising. Not in 40 minutes like vs Potapova, but Vondrousova hasn’t been a tough matchup for her either.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jack:
Swiatek was tested in the 2nd round by Osaka but since then it’s been plain sailing for the world #1. It was hard linear strikes that got her in a sticky situation near the start of the tournament. Though Vondrousova is surely talented, she’s not got the weight of shot to trouble the two-time defending champ.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Yesh:
Swiatek is just too good on clay. She might be even more dominant than Nadal was in his peak years. Maybe a redlining Sabalenka can take her out in the final. No one else has a chance.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan:
Vondrousova has slipped slightly under the radar in Paris. Despite her very good level so far, the pressure is off her here, with the world No. 1 an overwhelming favourite. Vondrousova is more adept at playing aggressively than in the past, and she will need to take a few risks to have a chance. But even her best level is unlikely to be enough against Swiatek.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Nurein:
When Swiatek lost to Linda Noskova at the Australian Open, we thought that fear factor was long gone. How quick a turnaround has it been that Swiatek has gone to win the most titles by a WTA player this season with four and will likely add to that number now that she is the overwhelming favorite to reign supreme at the end of the fortnight. A double bagel against Anastasia Potapova was Swiatek’s way of saying she’s the real deal here. Vondrousova has forged acareer of defying the odds, but it is tough to bet against the World No. 1 on herfavorite court.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Coco Gauff vs Ons Jabeur
Damian:
You wouldn’t be wrong if you said Gauff hasn’t even been tested so far, but it’s not her fault that her base level is so high only a select few can hit through her defense. Jabeur has that caliber in her repertoire, but it also feels like her variety isn’t something that will bother the American all that much. We’re so close to a Top 4 seeds in the semifinals line-up and while Gauff is probably the one with the highest chance of losing from here, she’s still likely making it.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Jack:
With both players playing well this tournament, I think Gauff takes this match-up. If the American was a little off, Jabeur might have more joy dipping into her bag of tricks, but the Gauff is back to her steady and versatile best. Like their meeting here three years ago, I’m expected it to be fairly comfortable.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Yesh:
Coco Gauff hasn’t been the same player this year as last year. And while Jabeur hasn’t, either, her comfort on natural surfaces is hard to match. This will be a tough grinder of a match, and I think Jabeur’s craftiness around the court will win out in the end.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Jordan:
This has already been Jabeur’s best tournament since losing the Wimbledon final nearly 12 months ago. Her serve and forehand need to be working at a very high level, since those are the two areas where she has an advantage in this matchup. Her drop shot probably won’t be as effective against the American, who is extremely fast and comfortable at the net. Despite Jabeur’s improved level, I still trust Gauff’s consistency more over three sets.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Nurein:
Coco Gauff has not lost a set at the tournament but the serve might be under the microscope in this match. When she is under pressure the American’s delivery doesn’t hold up well with a handful of double faults creeping in. Jabeur is not the kind of player you want to face because she’s so unpredictable with her return games and I can see her unsettling Gauff.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
