[2] Karolina Pliskova (CZE) vs [28] Caroline Garcia (FRA) (not before 2 p.m.) – The French crowd may be a major factor.  Clay is also not the best surface for Pliskova’s movement.  However, the #2 seed hits the ball cleanly, has a comparative advantage on her serve, and can use the extra time clay might provide to line up her clean striking.  I think Pliskova is quite likely to advance because she can control points from the outset.

[3] Simona Halep (ROU) vs [5] Elina Svitolina (UKR) (not before 2 p.m.) – Halep was quite close to winning the 2015 French Open.  I am not sure she has been quite the same since that near miss.  She is 3 matches away from exorcising any  demons, but she likely has the past of maximum resistance in front of her.  I think Svitolina will push Halep hard and is not a great match-up for the Romanian.  Having said that, I think Halep will find the gear she needs to advance to the semifinal round.