Roland Garros day 9: Errani to reach finals again?

Schedule of play:

http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/index.html

Match focus:

Kiki Bertens vs. Andrea Petkovic

Brand new territory for these 2 players as they attempt to reach their first Roland Garros quarter-finals. Berten's resurgence came out of nowhere, and I think she even surprised herself with her good results here. Andrea is the seeded player here, and will be the favourite. Still, Kiki has nothing to lose and will just swing freely. However, on such a big show court in Phillippe Chatrier, I think the occasion might get to her.

Pick: Petkovic in 2 sets

Sloane Stephens vs. Simona Halep

Even though Sloane Stephens has been running on 6 consecutive fourth round showings in slams, the only higher ranked player she beat was an injured Serena during those runs. It would be safe to say that unless Halep has an injury, she has this in the bag. Simona is just going from strength to strength, and as the highest seed left, most favoured to reach the finals. She has barely been losing games, so the Romanian will be too much for the erratic Sloane to topple.

Pick: Halep in 2 sets

Jelena Jankovic vs. Sara Errani

Jankovic is playing just enough to win her matches in straights throughout the tournament. As usual, it isn't without drama, and I expect a lot of drama from this match. Errani famously upset Jankovic in Rome, putting her clay court tennis skills to good use. Can she repeat it again? If you have watched Jelena's matches, you would have seen that the Serbian is still not playing at her best yet. She will need to be at her tip top condition for Sara. The winner of this match is almost a safe bet for the semi-finals. A close match that's for sure, and I'm going with Errani as she's more mentally strong and pesky.

Pick: Errani in 3 tight sets

Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Lucie Safarova

2 of the tour's most volatile ladies will clash for a place in the last 8. Svetlana had a hard fought battle with Kvitova, but she really made things difficult for herself by wasting all those break point chances. It's not a secret that the Russian knows how to play on clay. The question is whether her mind is strong enough. In this case, you can say the same about Lucie, whose career has been speckled with great wins and then puzzling losses. Needless to say, it will be an up and down match, but I believe Kuznetsova has the better clay game and will emerge the winner.

Pick: Kuznetsova in 3 sets