Predicted Winners in BOLD

[2] Simona Halep (ROU) vs [10] Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) – Simona is playing quite well.  I think we are heading toward a French Open rematch.  CSN can force different angles on an opponent.  I still like Simona to hustle her way to a championship showdown.

Sharapova won the always melodious match-up with Vika

[3] Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs [Q] Daria Gavrilova (RUS) – The battle of Russia?  Maybe.  Gavrilova is giving away a lot of height and experience vs. Sharapova.  However, if she can return well and expose Sharapova’s movement, Gavrilova has a chance.  Her win over McHale was pretty straight forward and that was key given all of the tennis she has played in the qualifying and main draw at Rome.  Still, Sharapova has proven her clay court metal the past few seasons and should win this match.