We wrap up the third round of women’s singles on Day 7 of the French Open, and the tournament is really starting to move towards crunch time. Young superstars Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva will both be in action on Saturday. Will they each advance? Or will we see a stunning upset. As always, our writers share their thoughts on the matches with you. We split the day’s eight matches between two articles–and the other article features Coco Gauff vs Marie Bouzkova. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Nurein Ahmed, and Manuel Traquete. Who do you think will advance?
French Open Day 7 Predictions
Hailey Baptiste vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Jordan:
Bouzas Maneiro’s victory against Robin Montgomery was one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far. Baptiste does not hit the ball as hard as Montgomery, but is usually more consistent. It could go either way, but I favor Bouzas Maneiro’s powerful forehand to be the difference in the end.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3
Nurein:
After that opening round beatdown of Emma Navarro, Bouzas Maneiro has emerged as the frontrunner in this section to make the second week. Baptiste has a more explosive game, but I trust the Spaniard’s clay-court instincts in this one.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3
Manuel:
The two players are separated by only two ranking spots and both have been playing at an excellent level here in Paris. It’s a very difficult match to call–one that will likely come down to details and won by whoever holds their nerve and executes better in the key points.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3
Lois Boisson vs Elsa Jacquemot
Jordan:
Boisson, the current world No. 361, would become one of the lowest-ranked players to reach a Grand Slam third-round with a win. I expect her compatriot Jacquemot to put up more of a fight than Anhelina Kalinina, who wilted quickly against Boisson. But it is tough to go against the bigger hitting Frenchwoman, whose ceiling is higher despite being lower-ranked.
Prediction: Boisson in 2
Nurein:
Second week of a Grand Slam don’t come around too often. And that’s what Boisson and Jacquemot will be telling themselves. The big winners are the home fans who will at least get to see a French name in the last 16. Jacquemot takes this one. She’s got the heavier topspin and a day match will do wonders for her game.
Prediction: Jacquemot in 2
Manuel:
This all-French duel should be quite an exciting and unpredictable one. Whole Jacquemot is the higher ranked player, Boisson has been playing at a really high level here so far and could well continue her fairytale run.
Prediction: Boisson in 3
Paula Badosa vs Daria Kasatkina
Jordan:
Badosa’s best level is better than Kasatkina’s. But I am backing the 17th seed to end the Spaniard’s run in Paris. Badosa had inconsistent patches in her contest with Elena-Gabriela Ruse that she might not get away with against the more solid Kasatkina. She may also hit a brick wall at some point after struggling with her troublesome back before the French Open.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Nurein:
I had my doubts for Paula Badosa to make it this far with that back injury being a major wrinkle in her season. But it doesn’t look like it’s bothering her. That said, Kasatkina can test her movement on this surface. The Australian will use all sorts of spins and angles to make life difficult for the Spaniard. The more Badosa moves in this match the less her chances of progressing.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Manuel:
Badosa had to work a lot in her first two matches to get to this stage, but that will surely have given her an important confidence boost that could take her on a strong run here.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Coco Gauff vs Marie Bouzkova
Jordan:
Bouzkova has nothing to lose here after getting two good wins to set up this clash. But I do not see foresee any possibility of her threatening an upset. The Czech’s gritty style will not be enough to pressure Gauff’s forehand, and the world No. 2 is one of the few players in the world who can match her athleticism and defense.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Nurein:
Bouzkova came to the French Open with no form whatsoever. But two valuable wins this week have given her a fresh dose of life into her season. She’ll hang around here, but not for long because Gauff will overpower from the baseline. Gauff is quicker and her forehand looks refined.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Manuel:
Bouzkova won their previous two meetings but Gauff has improved a lot since and is rightfully considered one of the favorites to win this tournament. Under normal circumstances, she will make smooth progress into the next round here.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
