A couple of quarter-final picks from the WTA French Open today, and at least one of them looks like it could be a proper match. Which of these do you think goes the distance?
WTA French Open Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: First meeting
These two have never faced each other, which makes this genuinely interesting on paper. Shnaider has had a strong season and clearly has the power to trouble anyone on clay, but Sabalenka at a Masters event is just a different problem to solve. She's been one of the most consistent players in the world across all surfaces this year and the slow clay in Paris should let her grind opponents down before they ever really get going.
Shnaider will have her moments, and I wouldn't be surprised if she takes a set, but Sabalenka wins this.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Anna Kalinskaya vs Maja Chwalinska
Head-to-head: First meeting
On paper this looks straightforward for Kalinskaya, but Chwalinska is genuinely dangerous on clay and has been playing some of the best tennis of her career lately. A ranking of 114, which really undersells how well she's been moving the ball this season, doesn't tell the full story here. Kalinskaya has the higher ceiling, but she can be streaky and isn't the kind of player who always finds a way to raise her level when things get uncomfortable.
That said, I feel like Chwalinska's comfort on this surface and the momentum she's carrying into this match could be enough to get through here.
Prediction: Chwalinska in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire