A couple of quarter-final picks from Paris today, and both matches have something interesting going on beneath the surface. Let's get into it.
WTA French Open Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: Svitolina 1-1 Kostyuk
The H2H is level, but these two Ukrainians bring very different energy to a clay court. Svitolina is one of the grittiest defenders on tour and the slow surface lets her do exactly what she does best, grinding opponents into mistakes and never giving anything away for free. Kostyuk has the bigger groundstrokes and can absolutely hurt you when she's on, but she's had a fairly inconsistent season and this draw has been kind to her.
I think Svitolina's composure in long rallies is just too much to handle over three sets. Kostyuk will have her moments, probably takes a set, but Svitolina has been here before and knows how to close these out.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: Andreeva 1-0 Cirstea
Andreeva is 17 and already playing like someone who's been grinding clay courts for a decade. She's become so good at not panicking in long rallies and on a slow surface against Cirstea, that patience is everything. Cirstea can be dangerous when she's hitting clean, flat balls and dictating early, but Andreeva reads the game well and rarely gives her the short ball she needs to do that.
Hard to see this being competitive at all for more than a few stretches, and Andreeva wins this, all things considered.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire