The second week of the French Open is in full swing, with four intriguing fourth-round matches on day nine. A number of star names will be in action and a place in the quarterfinals is up for grabs. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our roundtable predictions for every match on the slate. Who will reach the final eight in Paris?
French Open Day 9 Women’s Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Emma Navarro
Jordan: Navarro defeated Sabalenka during the North American hard court season, and her excellent return and athleticism have the potential to cause the world No. 2 issues again. But Sabalenka is in much better form now. compared to a couple of months ago. She should be able to hit through Navarro this time if her level does not drop. Sabalenka in 2
Shane: Aryna Sabalenka is one of the favorites to win the French Open, and for good reason. The 26-year-old Belarusian has been unphased through three matches in Paris. Emma Navarro is coming off a massive victory over compatriot Madison Keys, but she does not possess the weapons needed to puncture a player like Sabalenka. Sabalenka in 2
Glenys: Aryana Sabalenka and Emma Navarro have not dropped a set yet en route to the fourth round. American Navarro needed two tight sets last round to set up this match with the second seed. The pair have played once before, this year at Indian Wells. Navarro came out on top of that encounter. Both have a similar clay court record, so this should be fascinating. Navarro in 3
Jasmine Paolini vs Elina Avanesyan
Jordan: Avanesyan is one of the hardest players to hit through on clay, as Qinwen Zheng discovered in the last round. However, I think Paolini will be able to do it. She is likely to thrive with the time Avanesyan will give to let her dictate rallies with her heavy topspin forehand. Paolini to reach a first Grand Slam quarterfinal. Paolini in 2
Shane: Jasmine Paolini is quietly having a terrific season. She reached a career-high of World No. 12 last month and has the ability to frustrate any opponent with her movement and stroke consistency. 21-year-old Elina Avanesyan is coming off the biggest win of her career over No. 7 seed Qinwen Zheng. This seems like a classic letdown spot. Paolini in 2
Glenys: Jasmine Paolini, as the 12th seed, has had mostly straightforward matches to get here. The only chink in the straight sets was last round, but the Italian dominated two of the three sets to progress. Elina Avanesyan edged out the seventh seed in the last round. Neither have met on tour to this point. Avanesyan could suffer from “seed bounce,” but is still not to be taken lightly. Paolini in 2
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Varvara Gracheva vs Mirra Andreeva
Jordan: This is a very tough match to call. Gracheva is on an amazing run and will have a vociferous home crowd behind her, while Andreeva lost just three games against Peyton Stearns in the last round. The support the local fans will give Gracheva could make the difference. Andreeva can be very temperamental and a crowd being loudly against her may not suit her at such an early stage of her career and development. Gracheva in 3
Shane: A fourth-round meeting between two unseeded players creates a massive opportunity for Gracheva and Adreeva. Gracheva does not have a great history on clay, but her Round 1 win over Maria Sakkari showed that her game is adapting each week. Adreeva, still only 17 years old, seems to get better with every match she plays. We know the young Russian will go for broke, and given her current form, I think it will lead her to the French Open quarterfinals. Andreeva in 3
Glenys: Mirra Andreeva has been making a name for herself since exploding onto the main tour last season. The 17-year-old has already gone one round better than last year here. Gracheva has not suffered the seed bounce after knocking out the #6 seed in the first round. The Frenchwoman has gone from strength to strength. This is a great match for a neutral. Gracheva in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Elina Svitolina
Jordan: This promises to be a very tough match for Rybakina. Svitolina’s forehand looks as good as it ever has, and the Ukrainian will feel like she can win a lot of the baseline exchanges. The difference may be Svitolina’s serve, which Rybakina can attack in the slow conditions in Paris. That makes the 2022 Wimbledon champion a slight favourite. Rybakina in 3
Shane: This has a chance to be the match of the day at the French Open. Rybakina has yet to drop a set in Paris and has proven she plays her best tennis in the biggest moments. Svitolina is looking to reach her fifth Roland Garros quarterfinal and has the variety to frustrate Rybakina. If she can neutralize the Rybakina serve, Svitolina has a chance in this match. That, however, is easier said than done. Rybakina in 3
Glenys: Rybankina and Svitolina have met three times on tour, and it is Svitolina who leads the head-to-head. Rybankina has not dropped a set here yet, whereas the Ukrainian has. It was in her first-round match that Svitolina lost the first set. This is the pick of this round of matches for me. Svitolina in 3
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte – USA TODAY Sports