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. Four-time champion Iga Swiatek leads the way, squaring off against Jacqueline Cristian. Our other prediction articles feature Aryna Sabalenka vs Olga Danilovic, 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
Qinwen Zheng vs Victoria Mboko
Ilemona
Zheng’s powerful baseline game meets Mboko’s youthful energy in this intriguing clash. The 18-year-old Canadian qualifier will look to use her speed and counterpunching to disrupt Zheng’s rhythm on clay. While Mboko’s fearless approach could create some highlight-reel moments, Zheng’s experience and heavier groundstrokes should ultimately control the tempo. Expect some scrappy rallies early before the higher-ranked player imposes her game.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Jordan
This is my favorite matchup of the tournament so far. 18-year-old Mboko possesses a terrific style to watch, and her development in the last few months has been swift. Zheng will probably be too tough a hurdle to overcome, though. I think the Olympic Gold Medalist’s title chances were written off too quickly by many before the tournament, and she could make a deep run in Paris.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Shane
Zheng prefers faster courts. Mboko is prepared to grind out of the corners and make this a grueling match. Give me the 18-year-old in a three-setter.
Prediction: Mboko in 3
Amanda Anisimova vs Clara Tauson
Ilemona
A battle of former junior stars now looking to reignite their careers. Both possess explosive power off both wings, but Anisimova’s clay-court experience and slightly more controlled aggression might give her the edge. Tauson’s improved movement could make this close, though the American’s ability to redirect pace may prove decisive in the crunch moments. Expect heavy-hitting rallies with both players going big on every shot.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Jordan
The balls used will take a severe battering from two of the biggest hitters in the women’s game. Anisimova is more naturally comfortable on clay, but her level can fluctuate quite considerably. Nonetheless, I favor the former French Open semifinalist’s powerful groundstrokes on a high-bouncing clay-court more than Tauson’s. The Dane getting a lot of free points on her serve might be crucial to her hopes in this matchup.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Shane
Amanda Anisimova’s resurgence has been incredibly fun to watch. She has always possessed exceptional talent, and it seems as though she is finally putting it all together. Tauson will not back down from heavy forehand exchanges, but I see the American overpowering her.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Jasmine Paolini vs Yuliia Starodubtseva
Ilemona
Paolini’s crafty all-court game faces a stern test against Starodubtseva’s relentless counterpunching. The Ukrainian qualifier’s exceptional movement could extend rallies, forcing the Italian to take extra risks. While Starodubtseva’s defensive skills might frustrate early, Paolini’s variety and smarter point construction should gradually wear her down. Expect plenty of grueling baseline exchanges with the occasional clever drop shot mixed in.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Jordan
Paolini will almost certainly play more defense than she did in her opening two matches. Starodubtseva strikes the ball cleanly and does not show fear in any matchup. However, Paolini is well-equipped to handle this with her exceptional movement on clay and should pass this test.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Shane
I do not see the No. 4 seed having any trouble with the inexperienced 25-year-old. It was a valiant run to the third round from Starodubtseva, but Paolini will force her into too many errors to compete.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Jacqueline Cristian
Ilemona
This matchup pits Swiatek’s clay-court mastery against Cristian’s aggressive baseline game. The Romanian’s power could test Swiatek early, but the Pole’s relentless consistency and heavy topspin should ultimately wear her down. Expect Cristian to go for broke with first-strike tennis before Swiatek’s superior movement and point construction take over.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan
Cristian is in good form, reaching the final in Rabat last week before winning two matches at Roland Garros. But is that level good enough to beat Swiatek? Almost certainly not, especially since the four-time French Open champion played one of her best matches of 2025 against Emma Raducanu in the last round.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Shane
Iga Swiatek is amidst an up-and-down season, but she has not lost a singles match at the French Open since 2021. Although this is Cristian’s best surface, I do not see her holding up against the Pole.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
