Roland Garros, R3 Prediction
?? (6) Karolina Pliskova vs. ?? (28) Maria Sharapova
I’m going to give the slight edge to Sharapova here. I think this is a good match-up for Sharapova on this surface. Sharapova’s dangerous return of serve will but pressure on Pliskova’s greatest weapon, overall I think Sharapova can neutralize Pliskova’s weapons on this surface and turn this into a scrap. Whilst Sharapova generally has not been impressive since her return that has changed in last few months, she is playing the best tennis since her return from suspension. Conversely, I still think Pliskova is vulnerable on this surface against the right opponent and Sharapova is that opponent. Sharapova has a more dynamic game on this surface and is mentally tougher and hungry to claim a big scalp on the big stage.