Each day during the French Open, we'll preview—and predict the winner of—three of the most compelling women's matches.
(3) A. Radwanska vs. V. Williams
—Head to Head: Williams leads 5-2
Venus has surpassed the second round in 12 of 14 French Open appearances. If she’s landing 60 percent of her first serves and hitting with the authority she showed in beating Samantha Stosur in Rome, she probably should win. Younger sister Serena’s shocking exit should make Venus extra vigilant, but ultimately, Radwanska has been the better and more consistent player this season. She swept Williams on a hard court in Miami, and though clay is her least favorite surface, she was a Madrid semifinalist and won Brussels.
The Pick: Radwanska in three sets.
(15) Dominika Cibulkova vs. Vania King
—Head-to-Head: King leads 3-0
A 2009 French Open semifinalist, Cibulkova tends to take the ball a bit earlier, possesses more power, and is ranked 41 spots higher than the 57th-ranked American. But we’ll take a shot with two-time doubles Grand Slam champion King, who has beaten Cibulkova in three grinding three-setters, because she has the variety and speed to stay with the Slovak and relishes the spotlight.
The Pick: King in three sets.
(13) Ana Ivanovic vs. Shahar Peer
—Head to Head: Peer leads 3-0
The 55th-ranked Peer has had Ivanovic’s number in the past, winning six of seven sets they’ve played. A quick, ultra-consistent counter-puncher, Peer has given Ivanovic fits by forcing her to repeatedly play the extra ball. If Ivanovic is missing her sometime sporadic serve, she’s vulnerable here, but given her winless past with Peer, the Serb will be intent on taking the first strike and building the lead. The 2008 champion should survive a tough test.
The Pick: Ivanovic in three sets.