The second round of the women’s singles wraps up on Day 5 of the French Open. We get 16 great matches on Thursday, but who will reach the third round. As always, our writers share their thoughts on all of the matches. We split the 16 matches between four articles–the other three feature Coco Gauff vs Tereza Valentova, Mirra Andreeva vs Ashlyn Krueger, and Madison Keys vs Katie Boulter. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Manuel Traquete. Who do you think will advance?
French Open Day 5 Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Ann Li
Jordan:
Pegula will take nothing for granted after a poor clay-court swing for her so far that has included losses to Elise Mertens and Moyuka Uchijima. The World No. 3 needs to handle her compatriot’s forehand, but has a significant advantage on the backhand side. Pegula should be able to avoid another upset by playing at about 70% of her best level.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Damian:
Li is a strong clay-courter and won’t be easy to beat, coming off Rabat quarterfinals and demolishing Carle in the opening round. Pegula is the Top 4 seed nobody is looking at during this event, but a strong win over Todoni in the opening round suggests she might just unexpectedly go pretty deep anyway.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Manuel:
Pegula’s quest for a first Slam is still going on but she remains one of the most consistent players on tour and should be able to go through these early rounds without much issue like she usually does.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Marie Bouzkova vs Sonay Kartal
Jordan:
This could be a lengthy battle regardless of whether it lasts two or three sets. Both women base their games on solid defence, meaning repeated gruelling rallies are to be expected. I trust Bouzkova’s level more, and think she can get it done without needing a third set. If a decider is required, the match may be the lengthiest women’s contest at this year’s French Open.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Damian:
Looks like both players are fine after recent retirements, getting back to winning ways in style. Kartal gave the older Andreeva sister two games, while Bouzkova looked solid against Kalinskaya. Even though it’s not a natural surface for her, the Brit seems like a player who can adjust better mid-match and isn’t just reliant on consistency like her opponent.
Prediction: Kartal in 3
Manuel:
Bouzkova has been troubled by injuries this year, but she is definitely the better player of the two especially on this surface. If she keeps up her level from the first round, she should advance here.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
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Daria Kasatkina vs Leolia Jeanjean
Jordan:
Kasatkina is a former semifinalist in Paris and a very good clay-court player. However, she has also been susceptible to unexpected Grand Slam losses in the last 18 months. Jeanjean and the home crowd will try their best to unsettle Kasatkina, but the Australian player is backed to do enough to hold off the threat. It could be a tight battle though.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Damian:
With just a 12-12 record for the season, it would be really helpful for Kasatkina to go on a run here. Getting through a sticky opener against Siniakova might allow her to loosen up a bit and Jeanjean definitely isn’t hitting her off the court with her power. It should be a match full of crafty rallies, so theoretically what Kasatkina does best?
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Manuel:
Ranking-wise it’s one of the biggest mismatches of this round and Kasatkina is indeed clearly the better player of the two and should dominate here.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs Sofia Kenin
Jordan:
Azarenka’s 6-0 6-0 victory against Yanina Wickmayer generated attention. But I like Kenin’s chances of beating her. The 2020 French Open runner-up has been playing well this season and her level from most of this year would probably help good enough to beat Azarenka on her least favorite surface. The Belarusian benefited from a truly awful performance from Wickmayer in the opening round.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Damian:
Azarenka double-bageled Wickmayer in the opening round, which nicely shows why the Belgian is going to retire after Wimbledon. But most of the season the 35-year-old who looked like she’s way past her prime and to beat in-form Kenin, she will probably need an off-day from her opponent. They happen, but they’re less frequent this year.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Manuel:
A clash of two former Grand Slam champions who are far from their glory days. At this point in their respective careers, Kenin seems to be playing at a higher level and should be able to advance here.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
