FRENCH OPEN DAY 8 PREVIEW

by Karen 

Day 8 of the French Open sees 4 matches from the top half of the draw.   I am going to be going against the grain and call for some humongous upsets in this round.  Here goes

Muguruza v. Parmentier - when the defending champion and World's No. 1 tells you that if you continue to play like this you will win the tournament and then you go out and take out the World's No. 1 conqueror in straight sets, you get the benefit of any doubt.  Despite going up against the French wildcard here, I am looking for Muguruza to come out guns blazing and make her way to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal. 

Stosur v. Sharapova - Stosur has been under the radar.  She has a  2-13 record against Sharapova.  The thing is that Stosur plays relatively well on this particular surface. Will she be able to bring the same amount of focus and determination against a player who owns her in the way that she brought her best game against a player that she owns in Cibulkova.  I am calling the upset here with Stosur moving forward in 3 tough sets. 

Tomljanovic v. Suarez-Navarro - the youngster pulled what many are calling a huge upset.  On paper yes, but Tomljanovic has always had the firepower.  Her issue is going to be one of remaining steady against Suarez-Navaroo who can stay at the back of the court and rally all day.  I think Tomljanovic pulls out this one, again in 3 sets. 

Bouchard v. Kerber - by my count this will be the match of the day.  Bouchard is on a mission and of all the youngsters remaining in the draw, Bouchard seems to be one of those who is hungry for Grand Slam glory.  She has won her first WTA title on clay and she is looking to add to that trophy case.  Kerber in the meantime is posting her best results this year.  Bouchard will have to remain steady and focused and pull the trigger whenever the opportunity presents itself.  She can't allow herself to become distracted by Kerber's retrievign abilities.  I look for Bouchard to take this one in straight sets.