The third round of the women’s singles at the French Open begins on Day 6. There are eight matches scheduled for Friday, and our writers share their thoughts on all of them for you. We split the matches between this and a separate article–featuring Iga Swiatek vs Marie Bouzkova. Predicting today’s matches are Jack Edward, Andreas Pelekis, and Jordan Reynolds.
French Open Day Predictions
Liudmila Samsonova vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Jack:
When Samsonova’s on, she’s on. The level so far has been mind-boggling and, though Cocciaretto can normally put plenty of balls in the court, the Russian won’t have many problems finishing the point off in two swings of the racket.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Andreas:
Samsonova is quietly playing amazing tennis this tournament, most recently dismantling Amanada Anisimova 6-2 6-1. With only five games lost all tournament, she should be the favorite against Cocciarreto, who’s spent far more time on court. Cocciarreto stunned Beatriz Haadad Maia in the first round, but lacks speed on her groundstrokes compared to the big hitting Samsonova.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Jordan:
Cocciaretto claimed very impressive victories against Beatriz Haddad Maia and Cristina Bucsa in the previous two rounds. However, this is a very different matchup against a player who hits the ball a lot harder than her previous two opponents. Cocciaretto likes time on her shots and Samsonova not giving her that will probably make the difference.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Ons Jabeur
Jack:
An interesting match-up that promises plenty of fascinating rallies. Though it might be close, Jabeur feels like the slight favorite as her tricky game might unstick the usual counter-punching game style of the Canadian.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Andreas:
Jabeur has had a tough 2024 season, but this tournament has been a solid campaign for the Tunisian. She’ll also come into this match with confidence, after taking out Fernandez earlier this year in Madrid; she battled back from a break down in the third set. Fernandez is yet to drop a set in this tournament, but has seemed to struggle against Top 30 players ever since the Middle Eastern swing this season. The Canadian could win if she plays solid and consistent tennis, but Jabeur is ultimately the favorite.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Jordan:
These two played a few weeks ago on clay. Jabeur won that match in three sets and her variety is not a style that suits Fernandez well. The three-time Grand Slam champion is still not at her best level but I think she will get another victory in Paris.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Anastasia Potapova vs Xinyu Wang
Jack:
Wang’s had some tough matches against players that haven’t been in the best of form whilst Potapova’s taken care of business tidily. Like her previous opponents, Potapova’s huge hitting should be too much for the Chinese.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Andreas:
Potapova is overdue for a big run at a Grand Slam, and this year’s French Open may be a great opportunity for her. She’s yet to drop a set, while Wang had to battle through consecutive three-set matches against lower ranked opponents. Potapova will have to play consistent tennis and manage her nerves, a win on Friday would see her reach the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Jordan:
Potapova’s level in the first two rounds was better than Wang’s. She demolished her opponents easily in straight sets, while Wang fought through both of her matches in three sets. While overcoming those tight battles is admirable, I doubt Wang can handle Potapova’s best tennis on clay.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Coco Gauff vs Dayana Yastremska
Jack:
This is a decent match-up for Gauff on clay with Yastremska unable to bludgeon her way passed the American. Gauff has looked solid so far this tournament so we trust her to get the job done fairly quickly.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Andreas:
The French Open has always been one of Gauff’s best tournaments, and this feels like a good draw for the American to continue doing some damage. She plays well against big hitters when she can control her forehand and thrive with her movement. As long as Gauff serves well, she should cruise into the next round. Yastremska’s impressive groundstrokes, while powerful, are simply not consistent enough in big moments.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Jordan:
This is a dangerous third round for Gauff. Yastremska’s powerful game is very difficult to handle when she finds her range and becomes inspired. Yet, the Ukrainian has mostly struggled for form since her run to the Australian Open semifinal. Yastremska could make this an epic match if she finds her best level, but it is difficult to trust her enough to do that.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
