Round 2 action at the French Open sees the likes of Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa searching for form in Paris. Our panelists Steen Kirby and Jordan Reynolds offer all their predictions.
Elina Svitolina vs Diane Parry
Jordan Reynolds: Parry is a very good clay-court player but this is a tough matchup for her. The Frenchwoman relies heavily on winning the battle of the forehands in her matches. That is hard to do against Svitolina, whose forehand is also one of the best in the women’s game. Svitolina in 2
Steen Kirby: Parry has found some success on clay but her accomplishments are a shadow compared to what Svitolina has achieved in her career. Svitolina’s form is not anywhere near where it needs to be for her to win the French Open, but it’s probably enough for her to reach the third round. Svitolina in 2
Paula Badosa vs Yulia Putintseva
Jordan: This is a fascinating matchup between two in-form players with different styles. Badosa’s power versus Putintseva’s athleticism and drop shots. I favour Putintseva overall. She has been an expert at disarming power in the last few months. Putintseva in 2
Steen: Badosa leads the h2h 2-1 but on form Putintseva can be trusted a lot more right now, Badosa is a talented but consistency this season has been lacking. Putintseva should be able to dismantle her opponent after a confident round 1 victory. Putintseva in 2
Daria Kasatkina vs Peyton Stearns
Jordan: Stearns won an amazing and long battle in the previous round. Even with a day between matches, playing someone like Kasatkina after that is not an ideal matchup. The Russian is one of the best in the sport at extending the rallies on clay and will be confident of wearing the American down. Kasatkina in 2
Steen: Stearns had an electric opening round match but Kasatkina represents a much tougher opponent, and an opponent she has never beaten. Kasatkina is a quality clay court player and you get the feeling the American is still adapting to the surface. Kasatkina in 2
Elise Mertens vs Petra Martic
Jordan: It is difficult to see how Martic finds a way through Mertens in this matchup. The Belgian’s game is more complete and at her best she does everything better than Martic on clay. Her solid game should take her into the next round. Mertens in 2
Steen: Mertens was tested in the first round but leads the h2h 4-0 and Martic has not been good this year despite an upset of Mladenovic in the opening round. Mertens may not be quite at her best but I’m not sure how that impedes her from reaching the third round. Mertens in 2
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