The French Open wraps up its second round on Day 5. Thursday will see the last 16 Round 2 matches, and we’re here to predict all of them for you. The 16 matches are split between four articles. We predict four matches each article. In addition to this article, the others feature Coco Gauff vs Qiang Wang, Karolina Pliskova vs Sloane Stephens, and Sofia Kenin vs Hailey Baptiste. Predicting this set of matches are Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and Andrew Watson.
French Open Day 5 Predictions
Varvara Lepchenko vs Karolina Muchova
Jim:
After a slow start to her French Open campaign, Karolina Muchova rebounded impressively to beat Andrea Petkovic 1-6 6-3 6-4. She will want to avoid any mental lapses similar to the one that cost her the first set against the German, but provided she maintains her focus she should have the beating of the veteran Varvara Lepchenko.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Damian:
Muchova has recently become an expert at consistently making deep runs at the biggest events. Everything’s pointing to the possibility of yet another one here. She should be able to take out the veteran Lepchenko.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Andrew:
Lepchenko was impressive in sweeping aside Zhang in the opening round but Muchova is a different level. The Czech had a tougher battle on her hands in round one with Andrea Petkovic but she emerged and now I expect her to produce a good,powerful showing here that will catch Lepchenko out.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Jasmine Paolini
Jim:
Maria Sakkari is a player who could use a deep run at this year’s French Open. Particularly as she has not yet reached the last eight at a Major. But she has a relatively kind draw. It would certainly be a significant surprise if Jasmine Paolini, despite her clay-court prowess, got the better of the Greek here. Expect this to be reasonably comfortable for Sakkari.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Damian:
Most of the matches Sakkari plays are fully on her racket, and she can sometimes have a really bad day at the office. That seems to be the only chance for the solid, yet unspectacular Italian.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Andrew:
Both women tamed their opponents in the opening round–both winning tight opening sets and then crushing their opponents in set two. Sakkari is the rightful favorite, and I think she will progress, but any slackness in her game will be found out by a good Paolini.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Astra Sharma vs Ons Jabeur
Jim:
Astra Sharma has not enjoyed a particularly successful season, but for the second year in a row the Australian has won a round at the French Open. Unfortunately for Sharma, it is hard to see her campaign continuing. Ons Jabeur has been slightly inconsistent this year, with injuries not helping, but the Tunisian made an assured start to her fortnight in Paris, beating Yulia Putintseva 7-5 6-2. Expect her to back that up against Sharma.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Damian:
Very interesting rematch for the Charleston final. Sharma had a brilliant win in that one but has only played one completed match since then. Even though Sharma looked solid in the opening round, Jabeur should be in a better rhythm and dying to get her revenge.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Andrew:
The Aussie was excellent in round one but I think the variety and skill that Jabeur is capable of will put her in a great position to win this match. Jabeur has recently spoken of her enjoyment of playing on clay and this could be evidenced here.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Ashleigh Barty vs Magda Linette
Jim:
Things did not go entirely to plan for Ashleigh Barty in the first round, with the Australian stretched to three sets and clearly bothered by a hip problem. How this match plays out will largely depend on the condition of Barty’s hip now. If the Australian is fit, or at least fit enough to play, she should have too much for Magda Linette, but the title is looking a long way away for the world #1 right now.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Damian:
Linette finally found some form in Strasbourg last week, and with Barty struggling physically in the opening round, a small chance opens up here. It would still take a tremendous performance from the Pole to kick out the World No. 1. She usually doesn’t have enough confidence to keep a great player like that on the back foot though.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Andrew:
A potential muscle injury has cast doubt on Barty for the tournament. If she is struggling, then Linette does have the game to push her and take advantage. However, taking the match on face value I would expect Barty to win this one in straight sets. We will see how fit she looks early on.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
