Fans should be in for a treat on Day 11 of the French Open as we get two more incredible women’s quarterfinal matchups. Tuesday’s quarterfinals have already set up a blockbuster semifinal between Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. What will Wednesday’s quarterfinal matches bring? Our writers share their thoughts on both matches. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Yesh Ginsburg.
French Open Day 11 Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Jasmine Paolini
Jack:
Shades of an injury are long in the past. Rybakina has been businesslike from the start here and won’t mind playing aggressor in this match-up against Paolini. The Italian obviously deserves to be in the quarterfinals but there is a certain power disparity that the world #4 will be able to take advantage of.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jordan:
Not many will give Paolini a chance in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal. But I think a major shock is possible here. Rybakina sometimes struggles the most on clay against players who are consistent and have great athleticism, such as when she needed to save two match points to beat Yulia Putintseva in Madrid. Paolini is one of the fattest players in the women’s game, but the Italian can also inject major pace with her excellent forehand. Protecting her less formidable serve against Rybakina’s power is likely to be her biggest issue. However, if Paolini keeps her first-serve percentage high, she might just pull off a shock.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Damian:
This might be the least lop-sided of the four quarterfinals. Paolini’s surge to the top might have been unexpected, but she’s proving she’s got staying power and has already pushed Rybakina this clay season. But the Kazakh has been playing well enough that it’s tough not to have confidence in her and has so much more experience competing in these latter stages of Slams.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Yesh:
Elena Rybakina has been on fire this clay season, including a win over Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart. Jasmine Paolini has done well to stay solid and reach this stage, but the competition picks up several levels right now, and the Italian will be left behind.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
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Aryna Sabalenka vs Mirra Andreeva
Jack:
The last time Sabalenka failed to make the semifinals of a major was at the 2022 French Open. She has been clinical at this stage of Grand Slams. Though Andreeva will make her work for it, I genuinely don’t think Sabalenka will lack the confidence to go out there and hit through her opponent.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan:
Andreeva has been overwhelmed by Sabalenka’s power in their previous two meetings. Although those previous matches should help her to adapt quicker this time, defeating the world No. 2 is still a big ask. Sabalenka’s level has been sublime so far. Andreeva is improving very quickly, but she will struggle if she Belarusian is at that level again.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Damian:
This matchup has been pretty brutal for Andreeva so far and it probably will remain like this, at least for the time being. The youngster is such a smart, varied defender, but Sabalenka just produces too much raw pace and weight of shot. She’ll need an off day from the World No. 2 to have a good shot and it’s not that likely given Sabalenka’s performances so far.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Yesh:
Is this the moment for Mirra Andreeva? Is this when the rising superstar turns from potential elite to actual? Honestly, maybe. She’s coming to take the Tour by storm, and it won’t be long now. But maybe defusing Sabalenka’s power is just a tiny bridge too far. At the moment.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
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