Serena v Vika is the obvious highlight of the women’s schedule but i’ve also got my eye on another intriguing third rounder featuring Madison Keys and Timea Bacsinszky. The pair have never played before and both appear to be in good form heading into this match. Keys defeated Belinda Bencic on Thursday, 6-0 6-3. I made a mistake in my prediction there! Once again, it was the case where Bencic struggled going up against a powerful hitter. I mantain my stance though that Bencic will be a great player in a few years but her rise has fallen off the rapid rate she was going at last year. Keys is having a great year in the Slams so far. She reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open and is now into the third round of the French Open for the first time in her career. She has been sarcastic in press about her chances on clay (I love her sense of humour) so this has already been a respectable showing.
Bacsinszky’s results on clay this year have been nothing to write home about. A quarter-final showing in Marrakech and a third round appearance in Rome were the highlights. Timea is in that difficult position where she’s just missing out on the seedings at Premier events. The Swiss player has made a fine start to her Roland Garros campaign though with straight set victories over Lara Arrubarrena, 6-3 6-4 and Tereza Smitkova, 6-2 6-0. This took her tally of match wins to 25 in 2015, which is pretty staggering. In the matches i’ve watched of Bacsinszky on clay, she was really trying to mix up her play, more so than at the start of the year.
I hope this match isn’t a letdown. I’ve got high hopes it wll be a good one between two different game styles. I’m actually going for Timea to prevail and I think her greater variety and consistency could really get under the skin of Keys on her least favoured surface.
Prediction: Bacsinszky d. Keys in 3 sets
ATP RG R4 Predictions
Novak Djokovic d Thanasi Kokkinakis in 3 sets
Richard Gasquet d. Kevin Anderson in 4 sets
Jack Sock d. Borna Coric in 5 sets
Rafael Nadal d. Andrey Kuznetsov in 3 sets
Andy Murray d. Nick Kyrgios in 4 sets
David Goffin d. Jeremy Chardy in 5 sets
Marin Cilic d. Leonardo Mayer in 4 sets
David Ferrer d. Simone Bolelli in 3 sets
Moo's Tennis Blog 
If Madison can bring her good form from her previous match I feel she will be too strong for Timea,I am going for Madison to win this match up.
LikeLike
I think Kokk could take a set, even two, off Djokovic. I see the crowd getting behind the Aussie and that could get under Novaks skin.
LikeLike
I think Kokk actually plays better than Kyrgios. A future slam beater if he continues to develop his skills.
LikeLike
Actually he is my favorite Aussie:) Novak will expose his bhand I am afraid,this is one area he needs to work on,he is often caught out on his bhand wing,one of his best assets is the way he gets on with his game,even if he has played a poor shot,also I admire his never give up attitude on court.
LikeLike
I’m a fan of Kokkinakis and much prefer him to Kyrgios. I don’t see him getting a set though against Djok.
LikeLike
I prefer Borna Coric to either of the two Australian teens. But all three of them could do with a little modesty and respect.
LikeLike
Madison Keys is like Petra. He consistency always let her down. If they have to play three sets, I think the likelihood of Timea winning this match is higher. Timea will not let her hit the balls freely like Bencic. I expect Timea to induce the games into long rallies and let Keys makes the errors.
LikeLike
I was so bummed about how Bencic lost to Keys… I have her as one of my favorites upcommers, yet she can’t quite get out there and confirm. Truth be told I really don’t like Madison’s game so my money is on Timea. In 2.
Also, think you’re right about Nole not dropping a set to the young aussie gun. In the men’s game, today’s highlight will be Murray vs. Kyrgios, no doubt. 4 or 5 sets is not far fetched, and probably of great quality.
LikeLike
Bencic is still only eighteen. Her body will become more powerful over the next couple of years, with training, and her shots will have greater power/impact.
LikeLike
Yes, I think I can get behind your picks James. Just not sure about Gasquet. He made hard work of his last round(saved by the fading light) and this could possibly be a 5 setter with Anderson. Hope he doesn’t throw it away. Jack Sock could be done in 4 sets.
I blame the french crowd and their incessant love to be entertained for unnecessary 5 setters. If Kyrgios gets them involved and vice versa, a good, clean 4 setter could become very messy for Murray. A Moody Murray going 5 sets is not good..fingers crossed. Novak on the other hand is looking pretty strong until the quarters.
I feel Madison’s play will decide how her match goes. If she gets her rhythm spot on I think she’ll win inspite of how well Timea plays. Timea must force her to second guess herself.
LikeLike
I’ve lost two hopefuls on the rest of the women already in Kerber and Carla for the quarters, fair loss. Most impressed with how wiley Flavia plays, so much net play experience. Mitu has been a pleasant surprise, Petkovic can beat Errani, just can’t trust her mentally. Kvitova might be put through the ringer ( if she loses Ana is my only other hopeful left), and if Serena can’t get going like she did against Friedsam, Victoria wins it no doubt. I hope I’m wrong but the open is suddenly veering towards Deja Vu all over again, despite the very promising build up for openness.
LikeLike