Day 5 at Wimbledon gets underway on the women’s side soon, and it features French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, Dominika Cibulkova, and Venus Williams among the big names in action. Jakub Bobro and Yesh Ginsburg have your full preview.
(8)Dominika Cibulkova vs. (27)Ana Konjuh
Yesh: This match really could go either way. The pair have only met once, and these two look very evenly-matched. I think we’ll see a tight third set no matter what. Cibulkova in 3
Jakub: Both Domi and Ana have gone through a difficult match already. The head-to-head is in Cibulkova’s favor 1-0, the only meeting being 2016 Roland Garros. Cibulkova is having a terrible season and she is looking to win three matches in a row for the first time this season. I think that Konjuh is going to come through on her favorite surface. Konjuh in 3
(10)Venus Williams vs. Naomi Osaka
Yesh: Venus struggled a bit in her last match, but Osaka relies on her power, and even now very few players can outhit the ageless elder Williams sister. Williams in 2
Jakub: Venus sort of struggled against Qiang Wang, who has improved under coach Peter McNamara. Naomi Osaka is in her first 3rd Round at Wimbledon after upsetting Strycova. I think it will be tough, but Venus won’t let Osaka stand in a shot for her last grand slam and win in two close sets. Venus in 2
(21)Caroline Garcia vs. Madison Brengle
Yesh: This should be a good match, as Brengle showed just what she was capable of last round. Still, pulling off two upsets in a row is never easy. Garcia in 3
Jakub: I think this match-up will be the most straightforward of all on this list. Brengle has had big wins before, like over Serena in Auckland or Kvitova last year, and failed to win the following match both times. Garcia is the more talented player, and I think she will keep winning in straight sets here. Garcia in 2
Heather Watson vs. Victoria Azarenka
Yesh: Heather Watson has looked very strong this tournament, but the Victoria Azarenka comeback looks to be in full force already. Azarenka’s going deep. Azarenka in 2
Jakub: Azarenka with the protected ranking and Watson with a wild card upset their ways over seeded players into this match. Due to Azarenka’s resurgent form and just knowing how good she can be, I see her as a favorite. The head-to-head is also significantly in Azarenka’s favor: 4-0. Azarenka in 3
(13)Jelena Ostapenko vs. Camila Giorgi
Yesh: Ostapenko just barely survived a tremendous upset bit from Abanda. Giorgi just took out Madison Keys and looks close to the form the world has been expecting for a long time now. Giorgi in 3
Jakub: This match is as unpredictable as it gets on the WTA. Both players are known to be unbeatable when on because of their bomb games. Ostapenko has been getting by, sort of struggling to really find her game. Giorgi has been on fire, and I think she has been more impressive than Ostapenko. Giorgi in 3
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