Predicted Winners in BOLD

This is a great slate of matches

[4] Petra Kvitova (CZE) vs. [30] Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU)[30] – I like Petra here, but it also feels like a trap match.  Petra has to avoid any big lapses vs. Begu.

[1] Serena Williams (USA) vs [28] Victoria Azarenka (BLR) – Vika could win as these two had a massive battle in Madrid.  I think that match helps each player.  Vika has to believe she can win, but Serena is unlikely to be surprised by Vika’s form.  Also, Serena overcame a scare in the previous round.  I think Serena will be more dialed in and that is generally bad for her opponents.

Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) vs. Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) – One of these two will be in the round of 16 at Roland Garros.

Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) vs. Sloane Stephens (USA) – I like Pironkova, but I think Stephens’ game is nicely suited for clay.  Her backhand down the line can keep players from cheating too much to their backhand side to hit mostly forehands.  Also, Sloane can wrong foot her opponents with this play up the line.  I think Sloane wins if she plays clean tennis.

[10] Andrea Petkovic (GER) vs [17] Sara Errani (ITA) – I like Petkovic because she can hold serve more easily than Errani.  Both have posted excellent results in Paris so I could see either winning.

Andreea Mitu (ROU) vs. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) – The Italian seems to be experiencing a rebirth at this event.

[16] Madison Keys (USA) vs [23] Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) – This is a 50-50 match.

Irina Falconi (USA) vs. Julia Goerges (GER) – Am I undervaluing US players?  Maybe.