There have been plenty of surprises and upsets so far at Wimbledon. None of that stops us from getting a blockbuster third-round match between Victoria Azarenka and Simona Halep. We’re going to predict that match for you, as well as every single other Day 5 match. These predictions have four of the matches, but we also have the other four Day 5 matches as well. Predicting these Day 5 matches for you are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Tracey Essex, and Jim Smith.
Wimbledon Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Petra Martic vs Danielle Collins
Tracey:
Petra Martic hasn’t had an easy way through to the third round. With identical match scores, 3-6 6-3 6-4, the Croat needed quite a bit of court time to take out Jen Brady in the opener and Anastasia Potapova in the second round. Martic was able to battle back from a set down in each match. But I don’t think Martic can afford a slow start against the feisty Danielle Collins. The American will start strong and will be Martic’s toughest opponent yet. There’ll be some momentum shifts throughout, but I see Danielle Collins punching her ticket for the fourth round.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Jim:
Collins once again demonstrated her admirable fighting spirit, rallying past 12th seed Anastasija Sevastova in the second round. She will again need to make herself difficult to beat when she takes on Martic. The Croatian is in fine form and will be able to make Collins’ life uncomfortable. But the American’s greater power might just give her a telling advantage.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Yesh:
Martic has struggled so far against players she shouldn’t have. That will catch up with her. Collins hasn’t been particularly dominant herself, but when it comes to a grinding battle, I’m going to trust the American with her college and professional experience.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Maria Sakkari
Tracey:
If Margarita Gasparyan hadn’t been forced to retire, I doubt Elina Svitolina would have survived the second round. The Ukrainian just hasn’t found the early 2019 level that wowed. Granted, Maria Sakkari tends to underperform in big moments. But the Grecian is playing well and should be able to take advantage of Svitolina’s inconsistent form.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Jim:
This should be a fascinating baseline battle between two excellent players. But it is Sakkari who has been in the more convincing form so far, beating Bernarda Pera and Marie Bouzkova without dropping a set. Svitolina, in contrast, came close to exiting against Margarita Gasparyan, but was given a reprieve by the Russian picking up an injury. Don’t expect her to get lucky again against Sakkari.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Yesh:
Svitolina is very fortunate to still be in this tournament. Sakkari, meanwhile, has been in great form recently. I think the Greek moves through with relative ease.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Karolina Muchova vs Anett Kontaveit
Tracey:
Karolina Muchova and Anett Kontaveit squared off in the opening round of the 2019 French Open. It was tough battle which eventually led to Muchova moving through to the second round. While both players have their ups and downs, the Kontaveit serve has been a bit more consistent. Add to that Estonian seems a bit more comfortable on grass and I expect a tight, three set win to go to Kontaveit.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 3
Jim:
Muchova, who upset Kontaveit at the French Open, looks to be on the cusp of a breakout run at this year’s Championships as she bids to reach the second week at a Major for the first time. She has looked composed and efficient so far and will surely approach this rematch with Kontaveit with confidence. Expect her to emerge victorious once again.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Yesh:
This pair faced off a month ago, and Muchova came out on top. Kontaveit may be the better player overall, but right now I’m not sure she’s playing better tennis. Muchova has certainly impressed me more here at Wimbledon so far.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Simona Halep vs Victoria Azarenka
Tracey:
The Azarenka game is all coming together. The last piece the Belorussian needed to stand toe-to-toe with anyone was the serve. And, it seems the serve is there. Winning 65% of total service points and succumbing to only two double faults puts Azarenka close to pre-maternity form. It’s the form that’s allowed the two-time Wimbledon semifinalist to move through two rounds without dropping a set. Halep struggled in her second round, dropping serve six times and winning only 51% of her service points. My money’s on Azarenka for a straight sets win.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Jim:
Surely one of the most intriguing clashes of the third round. Convincing cases to make both the favourite can be found in a match that really could go either way. But Azarenka seems to have the slightly more effective grass-court game, largely thanks to her excellent return. That should just tip the balance in her favour.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Yesh:
Azarenka is rounding into the form that made her Serena Williams’ main challenger on tour for a few years. It’s taken her a while to get back to the top from her pregnancy and the following issues. She was utterly dominant in her last match, and she’s going to send a statement to the world when she faces Simona Halep–who is struggling a bit and never particularly loved the grass.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
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