Tennis News

An all-Russian affair and a tussle between two former Roland Garros finalists highlights the action on Day 6. We preview the key third-round matchups at WTATennis.com.

Friday, Third Round

Samantha Stosur (AUS #24) vs. [11] Lucie Safarova (CZE #13)
Head-to-head: Safarova leads, 11-3
Key Stat: Stosur owns 2-6 record vs. Top 20 players in 2016.

Two former finalists that sauntered into Roland Garros with low expectations and fitness issues suddenly find themselves with a golden opportunity to reach the round of 16. Lucie Safarova’s bacterial infection and reactive arthritis issues have been well-documented, but the Czech has steadily improved her health in the last few months and is now starting to resemble her peak form here in Paris. Last year’s runner-up has dropped just six games in two rounds and says she’s feeling better each day. “I’m taking it step by step, really just enjoying the moment and of course trying to reach the best result,” she said on Wednesday after storming past Viktorija Golubic. Stosur came to Paris with a serious left wrist injury but the Aussie has acquitted herself quite well without full use of her two-handed backhand. Health issues aside, the matchup is not a favorable one for Stosur. Her eleven losses to the Czech have left her shaking her head numerous times in the past. “It’s a tough match-up,” Stosur said. “She’s probably the person I’ve played the most in my career and she’s never easy to beat. I know that.”

Pick: Safarova in three

[2] Agnieszka Radwanska (POL #2) vs. [30] Barbora Strycova (CZE #33)
Head-to-head: Radwanska leads, 4-0
Key Stat: Strycova has a 2-12 lifetime record against Top 10 players at Grand Slams.

So far, so good for Agnieszka Radwanska at Roland Garros. The World No.2 made the unconventional decision to skip Rome in order to practice on the clay at home and the decision is paying dividends. Having won all four sets she’s contested, Radwanska will next face a player that she’s owned in the past for a spot in the second week. But that player, the ever crafty and pugnacious Barbora Strycova, is not one to be taken lightly. The 30-year-old has produced 22 wins this season, including a giant upset of Garbiñe Muguruza at the Australian Open. “She’s playing great tennis, especially on clay,” Radwanska said of the Czech. “For sure another tough match. I’m healthy, in one piece, and I’m just ready for the next one.”

Pick: Radwanska in three

[13] Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS #15) vs. [24] Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS #27)
Head-to-head: Kuznetsova leads, 4-1
Key Stat: Kuznetsova is contesting the third round at a major for the first time since the 2014 French Open.

Suddenly surging Svetlana Kuznetsova has labelled herself a “black horse” (think dark horse, but a little more menacing) at this year’s French Open. Will the pedigreed Russian gallop into the second week? To do it she’ll have to get by compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who is playing in the third round at a major for the first time in over three years. Kuznetsova holds the significant edge in the pair’s head-to-head, and she possesses the far more impressive clay pedigree, having won Roland Garros and reached the quarterfinals or better seven times, so it’s a very tall order for the World No.27. But Pavlyuchenkova is a world-class ball striker and a former Roland Garros quarterfinalist who is no doubt eager for the chance to demonstrate that she has what it takes to make another deep run at a major.

Pick: Kuznetsova in three

[6] Simona Halep (ROU #6) vs. Naomi Osaka (JPN #101)
Head-to-head: First meeting
Key Stat: Halep has lost four times to players ranked outside of the Top 100 at majors, including this year’s Australian Open.

Simona Halep just wants to put her head down and march through her matches one point at a time. It’s a constant theme in her pressers, and a constant challenge for her on court. Can she deflect the pressure of being a former finalist in Paris so that she may focus on dismantling the game of a talented yet unproven Naomi Osaka in round three? “I just want to do my job here,” Halep said after her second round victory over Zarina Diyas. “I had two good matches here already. I’m looking forward to play the third one.” Halep struggled at times with consistency in defeating Diyas, and this year’s Madrid champion knows that she’ll have to be at her best to take down the dangerous 18-year-old from Japan. “I expect a tough one,” she said. “She’s a young player and she has nothing to lose. It’s going to be good match, and hopefully I will win it. I’m here to win.”

Pick: Halep in two

Around the Grounds: Alizé Cornet and Tatjana Maria had heated words after their three-set thriller on Day 5. On Day 6 they’ll stand across from one another on the doubles court as Cornet and Magda Linette take on Maria and Madison Brengle on Court 4. Popcorn will be essential. American Sloane Stephens will bid to reach the second week at Roland Garros for the fifth consecutive year when she meets Tsvetana Pironkova on Court 1. No.4 seed Garbiñe Muguruza (vs. Wickmayer) and No.10 seed Petra Kvitova (vs. Rogers) will also be looking to reach the second week.

By the Numbers:

5-1 – Garbiñe Muguruza’s record in third-round matches at majors, but the Spaniard lost her last one in Australia to Barbora Strycova.

6 – Number of former Grand Slam champions to reach the third round at Roland Garros this year (Kvitova, Ivanovic, Kuznetsova, Stosur, Serena Williams and Venus Williams).

-Chris Oddo, wtatennis.com contributor

The Williams sisters lead the top half of the draw into the third round on Saturday in Paris. We preview all the action here at WTATennis.com.

Saturday, Third Round

[1] Serena Williams (USA #1) vs. [26] Kristina Mladenovic (FRA #30)
Head-to-head: First meeting
Key Stat: Williams has played the most matches (67), and has the highest match winning percentage (56-11, .836) at Roland Garros among active players with at least 20 matches.

Serena Williams has dropped just five games in her first two matches in Paris, but the 21-time major champion should face more resistance from France’s No.1, Kristina Mladenovic, in the third round. Many players are defeated in their minds before stepping on the court with Williams, but Mladenovic is determined not to let that happen as she faces the game’s greatest for the first time on Saturday. “Why should I be frightened?” Mladenovic said on Thursday. “No, I want this challenge.” Mladenovic is no stranger to big wins at Roland Garros, having knocked out No.2 seed Li Na in 2014 and No.6 seed Eugenie Bouchard last season. “I grew up watching Serena play,” Mladenovic said. “Then I’m going to play against her. I will try and get ready as best I can for this match, and then I’ll have to make no mistakes if I want to do something against her.”

Pick: Williams in three

[9] Venus Williams (USA #11) vs. Alizé Cornet (FRA #50)
Head-to-head: Williams leads, 5-0
Key Stat: Williams is the oldest woman remaining in the draw.

In the true Parisian spirit, Venus Williams is living fully in the present at Roland Garros. When asked on Thursday if there was a moment in her career that gave her particular satisfaction, the seven-time major champion did not hesitate. “This one right now,” she said. “I definitely stay in the moment. I’m just grateful I think with every year that passes and every moment that I play, I’m grateful for this experience and blessed. What else could I ask for, really?” Williams will face France’s Alizé Cornet on Court Suzanne Lenglen on Saturday, hoping to stretch her winning streak to six matches against the Nice native. Cornet has lost all ten sets she’s played against the 35-year-old, but the Frenchwoman has the heart of a lion when she plays on her home soil. Factor in the support of the French crowd and Cornet might have a chance to threaten Williams for the first time. Could this be the day Cornet finally solves the mystery of the American legend, or will Venus push forward in Paris?

Pick: Williams in three

[14] Ana Ivanovic (SRB #16) vs. [18] Elina Svitolina (UKR #20)
Head-to-head: Ivanovic leads, 7-0
Key Stat: Svitolina became the first Ukrainian woman to reach the quarterfinals of Roland Garros last year.

Ana Ivanovic has held sway over Elina Svitolina ever since the first time they met at the 2012 US Open. Even here in Paris where Svitolina has played her best tennis, Ivanovic has dealt the rising Ukrainian losses in back-to-back years. But that doesn’t mean the 2008 champion doesn’t have a healthy amount of respect for Svitolina. “I played Svitolina last year here in the quarterfinal,” she said “We always have tough matches. She’s a good player, young player. I think in the future we’re going to see a lot of her.” Svitolina hasn’t yet solved the Ivanovic puzzle, but the 21-year-old has clearly come into her own as a player over the last year. A tireless worker, Svitolina is hoping that adding seven-time Roland Garros champion Justine Henin to her coaching team will help her in exactly these kinds of matches. She’ll have to come out of her defense-first shell and play aggressively against Ivanovic in order to have a chance.

Pick: Ivanovic in three

[12] Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP #14) vs. [22] Dominika Cibulkova (SVK #25)
Head-to-head: Cibulkova leads, 3-1
Key Stat: Suárez Navarro has lost her last three encounters against Top 25 opposition on clay.

A pair of Roland Garros stalwarts are set to do battle in what promises to be an intriguing contest between polar opposite personalities and tacticians on Saturday. Cibulkova, boisterous and dynamic, likes to roll the dice and shoot to kill. Suárez Navarro, pragmatic and poised, prefers a patient game based on movement, margin and angles. Cibulkova owns the 3-1 edge in the pair’s head-to-head but Suárez Navarro took their last meeting at Moscow last autumn. “Cibulkova is a tough opponent,” the Spaniard said after defeating China’s Qiang Wang on Thursday. “It will be a tough match. Physically I’m okay. Tomorrow I will be able to rest, so I will be in form on Saturday.”

Pick: Cibulkova in three

Around the Grounds: Daria Kasatkina has played three Grand Slams and reached the round of 32 each time. Can the Russian take it one step further on Saturday? She’ll meet Kiki Bertens, who is currently on a nine-match winning streak, on Court 1. Madison Keys and Monica Puig are also looking to reach the second week here in Paris for the first time. They’ll battle on Court Suzanne Lenglen for a coveted Round of 16 slot.

By The Numbers

3 – Number of former Grand Slam champions in action on Day 5 (Serena and Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic).

133 – Combined number of Grand Slam appearances by the Williams sisters. Serena (70) and Venus (63) are No.1 and No.2 on the active list.

4 – Number of former Roland Garros Girls’ Singles champions in action today (Mladenovic, Cornet, Svitolina and Kasatkina).

-Chris Oddo, wtatennis.com contributor

MELBOURNE, Australia – On Day 5 of the Australian Open, the favorites took care of business. The two surprises of the day came from Anastasia Pavluchenkova knocking out No.11 seed Elina Svitolina and Sorana Cirstea continuing her good form to beat Alison Riske and advance to her first Round of 16 at a Slam since the 2009 French Open.

Here’s what you missed:

The Top Half Round of 16 is set for Sunday.

No.1 Angelique Kerber vs. No.35 CoCo Vandeweghe
No.78 Sorana Cirstea vs. No.7 Garbiñe Muguruza
No.116 Mona Barthel vs. No.17 Venus Williams
No.27 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs. No.10 Svetlana Kuznetsova

@MonaBarthel chats on court after progressing to the fourth round pic.twitter.com/mP2kbRXziT

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2017

Mona Barthel’s long road back.

The German’s talent has never been a question. With a fluid backhand that can take the ball down the line with remarkable precision and disguise, the 26-year-old hit a career-high of No.23 in 2013. But she came into Melbourne having to qualify for the main draw, with a ranking that plummetted to No.116 after an undiagnosed illness derailed her 2016 season.

“Nobody knew what it was exactly,” Barthel said. “Starting around here last year when I got back home I just couldn’t do anything. Walking 100 meters was totally exhausting for me. It was a really tough time. Tennis wasn’t really a part of it, I was just trying to get back to live a normal life. I really didn’t know if I could return.

“It was a tough year for me. I was really sick for a long time. It took me a lot of time to come back and feel physically good again. I think since December I felt a lot better and could practice a lot more and get the hours on the court. I’m just physically much fitter than I was before and that helps me mentally because I know I can play the long rallies and go for three sets.

into the 4th round @AustralianOpen
Bravo @BarthelMona ???
Danke für den Support @WitthoeftCarina @philliplang91
???? pic.twitter.com/iJbXpaAnM1

— Christopher Kas (@KasiTennis) January 20, 2017

“It was mentally tough because if you don’t have a diagnosis you don’t know if it’s coming back. It was tough sometimes on court. I just didn’t know where my body was, if I could trust it again. But it’s much better now.”

Barthel needed all her reserves to get past another solid performance from Ashleigh Barty, coming back from a break down in the third to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. The win puts Barthel into her first Round of 16 at a Slam where she’ll face Venus Williams.

“She’s a great player. If she’s on, she’s playing unbelievable. But I won six matches in a row. Nothing is impossible.”

Svetlana Kuznetsova plays another marathon in Melbourne.

It was six years ago that Kuznetsova played her part in setting the record for the longest women’s match at a Slam, eventually succumbing to Francesca Schiavone here in Melbourne in 4 hours and 44 minutes. The No.9 seed didn’t have to go that far this time, but she needed 3 hours and 36 minutes to get past Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 5-7, 9-7. Kuznetsova rallied back from 0-3 down in the final set to nip Jankovic in the end.

You're welcome.#ausopen pic.twitter.com/fdqLiuKmcE

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2017

CoCo Vandeweghe swags past Eugenie Bouchard.

In the most anticipated match of the day, Vandeweghe came back from a break down in the third set to beat Bouchard 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a top-quality battle between two big hitters. The win puts Vandeweghe into her first Round of 16 at a hard court major and she’ll get a chance to pull off the upset over No.1 Angelique Kerber on Sunday.

One thing is for sure: Vandweghe will not be short of confidence. The American was asked whether her win over Bouchard ranked high on her list of career victories and Vandeweghe dismissed the idea.

Coco #Vandeweghe will “be as prepared as possible” for her 4R clash #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/cAWiC7xFaD

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2017

“Actually, not that high now that I think about it,” she said, smiling. “I think there are different moments in my career that I have, my short career, that I enjoy, different wins for different reasons.

“I think probably my favorite match that I won — well, I probably have to say tournament, is probably my first WTA title would be my favorite. Then after that, I had a really good run at Montreal where I beat Jankovic and Ivanovic back to back, and that was the first time I ever beat two — I believe they were top 10, both of them, at the time, first time I had ever done that.

“So this one isn’t that high for me. It was kind of expected, in my mind, to get the win and to get the victory and to move a step closer to achieving what I want to achieve for this year and also this tournament.”

Venus Williams doesn’t age.

The 36-year-old has now made the second week at four consecutive Slams and has done so in seven of her last nine majors. On Friday she lost just one game to Duan Ying-Ying, sealing the match in under an hour.

Kristyna Pliskova has a surprising admirier.

The Czech couldn’t do much against Kerber, losing 6-0, 6-4 in 55 minutes. But she certainly caught one Gladiator’s attention:

@KrisPliskova you will be a champion, if you decide to be … You are more powerful than you realise . Strength and honour

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) January 20, 2017

Quote of the Day: “It wasn’t a horrible trip.”

Bouchard leaves Australia with a lot of positives, having found some consistent form to make the Sydney semifinals and come within a few games of the Round of 16 here.

“Obviously, deep down, always expect more, but, you know, I couldn’t expect too much, considering I trained for a month, and it’s the first, you know, really good training I got in a while, first time I got a good break in a while, first time I trained well in a while,” she said.

“It’s kind of like a restart process. I can’t expect too much at the beginning. It wasn’t a horrible trip.”

The Barty Party is over.

It was a great tournament for Barty, who will jump to around No.150 after the tournament. “I think if you would have asked me 12 months ago if I was going to be in the third round of the Australian Open, I would say, Mate, you’re kidding,” Barty said. “Obviously it’s disappointing tonight that we couldn’t execute what we wanted. But still a very positive week.”

Now we’ll just end it on this:

Go @ashbar96 All of #IpswichQld is behind you. #winning #AusOpen We couldn't resist this flashback pic taken 2002 @AustralianOpen @7tennis pic.twitter.com/S7ca81o1ov

— Ipswich City Council (@IpswichCouncil) January 20, 2017