The women’s round of 16 kicks off at the French Open in Paris as two American women, Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens, bid to make the quarterfinals. Our panel of Jay Huberdini, Brett Margolies, and Steen Kirby offer up their predictions for the four women’s singles matches on Sunday.
Madison Keys vs Mihaela Buzărnescu
Steen: Buzarnescu is playing incredibly well and this is not Keys best surface. Keys has the bigger name but I wouldn’t call her the favorite. Buzarnescu in 2
Brett: Madison Keys is certainly learning how to embrace her least favorite surface. She’s up against Buzarnescu who upset Elina Svitolina in the round of 32 and still hasn’t dropped a set all tournament. I’m curious to see how the 30-year-old plays after recorded the biggest win of her career the other day, she’s had a nice run but I think Madison Keys gets through. Keys in 3
Jay: Madison Keys has taken advantage of a relatively easy draw so far but will be much more challenged in this match. Buzarnescu has had a breakout year so far and impressively dispatched Svitolina with ease, which will give her a lot of confidence for this match. Though it won’t exactly be easy, the Romanian should win this one. Buzarnescu in 2
Barbora Strycova vs Yulia Putinseva
Steen: Putinseva is talented but volatile. Given she’s made it this far and Strycova has to be surprised to be at this stage, I’ll go with Putinseva to prevail. Putinseva in 3
Brett: I don’t think anyone had this matchup when the draws came out. Entering the French Open, Barbora Strycova was on a seven-match losing streak and lost the first set in her opening round match 6-1 before turning it around. She’s up against Putintseva who is looking to reach the quarterfinals in Paris for the second time in her career. Both players show a lot of emotion on the court, so this should be entertaining. I think Putintseva continues her run and gets to the quarterfinals. Putintseva in 3
Jay: The fact that both players have made it this far is probably the surprise of the tournament. Strycova has thrown away her 8 match losing streak, while Putinseva had only won 2 clay court matches prior to the tournament. Though Strycova will put up a fight, the Kazakh clearly enjoys playing in Paris and has already made the quarters before, so this should be her match for the taking. Putinseva in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Anett Kontaveit
Steen: Kontaveit should be motivated but Stephens has more upside and just got through a tough match, I’d expect her momentum to continue. Stephens in 2
Brett: Sloane Stephens managed to get past Camila Giorgi without playing her best tennis winning 8-6 in the 3rd set. Kontaveit scored an upset win over Petra Kvitova; both players were affected scheduling issues causing them to play on back to back days. I think Stephens might feel a bit relieved after surviving a tough test; I think she’ll win what should be another tough test for the American. Stephens in 3
Jay: Kontaveit has always played well on clay and this tournament has been no exception. She impressively dispatched of the tournament favourite Kvitova in straight sets, while Stephens had a much closer match against Giorgi. It’s possible that the American will be slightly fatigued tomorrow and this might just give Kontaveit an advantage. Kontaveit in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Caroline Wozniacki
Steen: Kasatkina is a good player but Wozniacki is on fire, I’d expect her to make a big push to win this title. Wozniacki in 2
Brett: I don’t think anyone expected Wozniacki to be playing as good as she is right now. She’s won her last four sets 6-1, 6-0, 6-0, 6-3. She’ll face her toughest test yet with Kasatkina, so I don’t think it’ll be that one-sided, but I think she gets through. Wozniacki in 3
Jay: Wozniacki has been one of the most impressive players in the tournament so far, but this match should be much more difficult for her. She has already lost to Kasatkina twice this year, and in straight sets. The Russian looks very strong and has a good game for clay court and should just edge her opponent. Kasatkina in 3
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