The third round of the 2025 French Open kicks off on day six as some of the top seeds in the field look to punch their way into the final 16. No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka leads the way, squaring off against Olga Danilovic. Our other prediction articles feature Iga Swiatek vs Jacqueline Cristian, Carlos Alcaraz vs Damir Džumhur, and Frances Tiafoe vs Sebastian Korda. Ilemona Onekutu, Jordan Reynolds, and Shane Black offer their insights. But who will advance to the Round of 16?
French Open Women’s Day 6 Predictions
Dayana Yastremska vs Liudmila Samsonova
Ilemona
A battle of pure ball-strikers where first-strike tennis will dominate. Yastremska’s flatter shots may penetrate the court better, but Samsonova’s slightly more measured aggression could prove smarter in extended rallies. Whoever controls their explosive power better under pressure advances.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Jordan
This battle of the powerful hitters could go either way. Yastremska is inconsistent, but she found her best to knock out the No. 11 seed Diana Shnaider in the opening round. Samsonova hits the ball flatter than Shnaider, which will not give Yastremska the time that she thrived on in the last round. That might prove the difference.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Shane
This will be a fun one for the spectators, as both Yastremska and Samsonova are aggressive and powerful ball-strikers. Yastremska is coming off a terrific upset and should be brimming with confidence. However, I trust Samsonova’s game more on clay. This is truly a toss-up.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Bernarda Pera
Ilemona
Svitolina’s defensive skills face a stern test against Pera’s lefty aggression and heavy topspin. The American could cause problems if she dictates play early, but Svitolina’s consistency and movement may wear her down. Expect grueling baseline battles with momentum swings.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Jordan
Svitolina is better equipped to handle Pera’s style than Donna Vekic was in the last round. While the Croatians’ movement got exposed by Pera, Svitolina does not mind playing long rallies if necessary. She can then find the right moments to strike in the rallies with her greater firepower.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Shane
This will be a true clay-court battle with Svitolina and Pera exchanging long and grueling rallies. Pera’s spin-centric style of tennis can give her opponents trouble, but Svitolina is equipped to handle just about anything thrown at her.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Jelena Ostapenko
Ilemona
A dream matchup between two of the tour’s biggest hitters, where first-strike tennis will dominate. Ostapenko’s ultra-aggressive approach could disrupt Rybakina’s rhythm, but the Kazakh’s more measured power and superior serve might prove decisive. Expect short, explosive rallies with little margin for error – the winner will be whoever blinks first in these high-risk exchanges.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Jordan
Rybakina has won her last three meetings against Ostapenko. But I am backing the Latvian to stop that run here. Ostapenko showed during her incredible run to the title in Stuttgart, which included wins against Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka, that she can step up in big matches on clay this year. I’m still also not convinced that Rybakina can handle a high level from a top opponent after a mostly challenging season so far. She had a pretty friendly draw for her title run in Strasbourg last week.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Shane
A blockbuster Round 3 matchup between two of the hardest hitters on the WTA Tour. Rybakina has had previous success against Ostapenko; confidence she should carry into the matchup. Both women are terrific clay-courters. This is a must-watch match. I’ll take the Rybakina serve to power her through.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Olga Danilovic
Ilemona
This should be an explosive battle between two big hitters, with Sabalenka’s raw power meeting Danilovic’s fearless shotmaking. The Serbian lefty won’t be intimidated after pushing Collins to three sets in their last meeting, but Sabalenka’s ability to dictate play with her first-strike tennis could prove decisive. If Danilovic can extend rallies and exploit Sabalenka’s occasional dips in consistency, we might see some tense moments. The night session atmosphere could elevate this into one of the more entertaining matches of the day.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan
I expect this to be much more competitive than Sabalenka’s opening two matches. Danilovic’s heavy spin is capable of keeping the ball out of the world No. 1’s strike zone and could make it challenging. I think Sabalenka may be pushed to a third set.
Prediction: Danilovic in 3
Shane
Despite this being Sabalenka’s “worst” surface, you are going to be hard-pressed to find me picking against the current world No. 1 coming off two slam titles. Danilovic has the tennis to deliver some exciting moments, but I would be shocked if she pushes this to three.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports