French Open Day 4 Predictions Including Elina Svitolina vs Anna Bondar

The French Open continues with second round action from Paris, veteran Elina Svitolina is one of the headline players for this stage of the tournament. Our panelists offer their predictions for every match on day 4, as players like Jelena Ostapenko are also in action.

Elina Svitolina vs Anna Bondar

Jordan Reynolds: Bondar bases her game on extending the rallies and frustrating opponents. That is unlikely to be an approach that works against Svitolina. The Ukrainian can match Bondar’s defensive skills, and has been more comfortable playing aggressively in recent years. Svitolina in 2

Nurein Ahmed: Svitolina is probably one of the best players in the last decade not to have won the French Open. She’s been close a couple of times and at 30, she might be running out of chances to lift her first Grand Slam. However, this is the best I’ve seen her on clay in a long time. It should be smooth sailing into the next round. Svitolina in 3

Ilemona Onekutu: Svitolina’s defensive mastery and experience on clay make her a tough out, but Bondar’s fearless shotmaking and heavy topspin could trouble the Ukrainian if she finds rhythm early. The Hungarian’s ability to dictate play with her forehand will be key, while Svitolina will rely on her counterpunching and consistency to grind down errors. Expect long, tactical rallies with tense momentum swings. Svitolina in 2

Diana Shnaider vs Dayana Yastremska

Jordan Reynolds: There will be a lot of powerful hitting in this contest. The most significant difference between the two women is that Shnaider defends much better, especially on clay. The young talent will progress if she finds her best level in this match. Shnaider in 2

Nurein Ahmed: Shnaider and Yastremska are two serial hitters of a tennis ball. But control and endurance are what these courts demand. Because of that, I’m siding with Shnaider. She’s got a bit more discipline in her baseline game. Shnaider in 2

Ilemona Onekutu: A fiery baseline battle between two big hitters. Yastremska’s flat power against Shnaider’s lefty angles will decide who controls rallies. If either finds consistency early, they’ll take charge. Expect fast, aggressive tennis with little margin for error. Shnaider in 3

Clara Tauson vs Arantxa Rus

Jordan: Tauson needs to be on her toes here. Rus has not enjoyed a great season, but clay is her best surface by far. The Dutchwoman has the potential to frustrate Tauson with her heavy topspin forehand. I still favor the Dane, but it could be competitive. Tauson in 3

Nurein: Tauson faded during this year’s clay swing, but this is the tournament that matters. And the Dane got off to a great start taking down Magda Linette in three sets. Tauson’s strong finish to that match gives me belief she’ll overpower Ruse. Tauson in 2

Ilemona: Tauson’s raw power meets Rus’ clay-court craft in a battle of contrasting styles. The Dane’s aggressive baseline game could overwhelm, but Rus’ experience and heavy topspin may disrupt rhythm. Court positioning will be key, if Tauson dictates play early, she’ll control the match. Expect physical rallies with momentum swings. Tauson in 2

Jelena Ostapenko vs Caroline Dolehide

Jordan: Ostapenko’s best level on clay is much superior to Dolehide’s. It boils down to whether the wildly inconsistent 2017 French Open champion does not have one of her loose days. I’m backing the Latvian to avoid that and reach the third round. Ostapenko in 2

Nurein: Ostapenko was in a spot of bother in her opening match, but turned it around to beat Polina Kudermetova in three sets. Dolehide plays with so much attacking intent but her movement and rally tolerance on clay just aren’t there. She’ll struggle if Ostapenko feasts on those short balls with her unerring power. Ostapenko in 2

Ilemona: Ostapenko’s fearless power will test Dolehide’s counterpunching skills on clay. The Latvian’s first-strike aggression could dominate, but unforced errors might keep it close if Dolehide extends rallies. Expect short, explosive points with Ostapenko controlling the tempo—unless Dolehide’s consistency forces a rhythm shift. Ostapenko in 3

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images