Halep, Pliskova, and Svitolina – Who will make it to the next round?
Saturday brings with it some intense Round of 32 matches, especially since now the creme has risen to the top. Let’s see exactly what’s happening on the 3rd of June.
Svitolina vs. Linette
Elina has not been having an easy run this Roland Garros, but then nobody in the women’s draw has, from Muguruza to Mladenovic. Svitolina’s first round against Shvedova showed exactly how Svitolina planned on dealing with the pressure of being one of the favorites this season, especially considering the fact that she has the most match wins on the WTA this year. This first round match would not have been easy for Elina, especially since she had lost to Shvedova in the 2016 Wimbledon, their only prior meeting. Svitolina was able to dominate throughout the match against an opponent who was trying to slice and dice her way through the match. Shvedova is mostly a doubles player, and Svitolina managed to handle the change of pace well, and powered through the match 6-4, 6-3.
Svitolina seemed to have a little trouble with the nerves in her second round match though, against Pironkova. She started off shaky, and the Bulgarians pressure on Svitolina’s service was something that Elina was not expecting. Pironkova would take the first set, but Svitolina would prove that she has the mental make up of champions and win the next two sets 6-3, 6-2. Svitolina managed to find her game and attack at the right moments of the match, proving that she deserves to move to the next round.
In Svitolina’s round of 32 she faces Magda Linette, who is coming from a win against Konjuh, world number 29. They’ve never played before, and Magda hasn’t been having the best season on clay. If Elina is able to keep her clam and fend off the pressure, she should be able to win this match, especially considering the fact that she has won 9 out of 10 of her last matches on clay.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Pliskova vs. Witthoeft
Pliskova is another strong contender for the French Open title. She started off a little shaky, beating S.Zheng 7-6, 6-2 in the first round. Pliskova seemed to be in trouble in the first set, when Zheng was serving for the match, but then Pliskova turned it around, winning five games in a row. Pliskova was on a roll from then on, and had a little mishap in the second set when it became 2-2, but that was the last time that it seemed like Zheng had a chance of winning the match. Pliskova would then win the next four games and the match.
Pliskova faced another tough opponent in her second round match against Alexandrova. Alexandrova gave Pliskova quiet a scare since she was playing very freely, being the under dog of the match. While Pliskova dominated the first set winning 6-2, it seemed like she took the foot off the pedal in the second, losing 4-6. But Pliskova isn’t world number 2 for no reason, and came back to win the third set 6-3.
In her third round match Pliskova faces Carina Witthoeft. The two have never played each other before, and this will prove to be an interesting match up, especially since Witthoeft has also beaten two opponents to reach where she is right now. This means that both players are in the heat of the competition and are playing decent tennis. Pliskova has won 6 of her last 10 matches on clay, while Carina has won 4 out of 7 of her last matches on clay. If everything goes according to plan Pliskova should win this match, but it will be a close one.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Halep vs. Kasatkina
Halep has been having a strong run at this year’s French Open, and has not lost a set at the tournament so far. Halep dominated in her first round against Cepelova, winning 6-2, 6-3, despite Halep’s niggling injuries. It seems as if Halep has gotten her clay game in shape, and is playing smartly, attacking when needed and defending when times are tough.
Halep also managed to beat Tatjana Maria in her second round 6-4, 6-3, and although the score doesn’t seem like anything challenging, Halep seemed to be having a tough time countering Maria’s moonball strategies. The high and slow balls seemed to confuse Halep, while she debated between stepping into the court, or moving back and waiting for the ball to reach the hitting zone. In the end though, Halep found the proper balance between defense and offense, winning her the match.
In her third round Halep will face Daria Kasatkina. Kasatkina’s long time idol is Nadal, and this is evident from the way she plays. Kasatkina is consistent and play with a lot of topspin, making her forehand a strong weapon. Halep will have to be at her best and not worry about any ankle troubles which could distract her during the match. Halep won their last meeting on the hard courts of Miami in 2016, and considering the season she has been having may be able to get through this match.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3.
Other Matches
Some of the other matches being played are:
S. Hsieh vs. C. Garcia
A. Cornet vs. A. Radwanska
E. Vesnina vs. C. Suarez Navarro
V. Cepede Royg vs. M. Duque-Marino
A. Sevastova vs. P. Martic
As the French Open finishes its first week, it will be interesting to see who the remaining contestants are for the Roland Garros title.