With all 16 second-round matches set to be contested, there should be no shortage of entertaining tennis on day three at the Tokyo Olympics. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Wang Qiang vs Garbine Muguruza, Leylah Fernandez vs Barbora Krejcikova and Aryna Sabalenka vs Donna Vekic. But who will reach the third round?
Tokyo Olympics Day 3 Predictions
Viktorija Golubic vs Naomi Osaka
Jim: After brushing aside Zheng Saisai in her opener, Naomi Osaka will probably face more resistance up against Viktorija Golubic. The Swiss is, after all, in the midst of the best season of her career by a distance. Still, Osaka hits the ball with rare venom and Golubic can be vulnerable to being rushed, particularly on the backhand side.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Steen: This is a very difficult match for Osaka who simply hasn’t played that much tennis recently, and has the pressure of playing at home. Golubic is one of the best players on the WTA Tour right now, and Osaka hasn’t won back to back matches since Miami. She’s excellent on hard courts but I’ll still go with an upset.
Prediction: Golubic in 2
Yesh: Osaka looked very strong in her opener. She’s collected and in form. Golubic is having a great run of form, but she’s not winning this match.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Rebecca Peterson vs Elena Rybakina
Jim: Rebecca Peterson is a commendably solid baseliner, but that may not stand her in good stead against the powerfully equipped Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh really does hit the cover off the ball when she is in full flight and it’s hard to see how Peterson will be able to keep her on the backfoot in enough rallies to win this match.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Steen: Rybakina has been on a fantastic run since the French Open, reaching quarters in Paris, the second week of Wimbledon, with a WTA semifinal in between. Peterson has found some success this year but not to the same level.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Yesh: Peterson is playing well enough right now, but Rybakina is on another level. Don’t be shocked if the Kazakh threatens for a medal.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Marketa Vondrousova vs Mihaela Buzarnescu
Jim: Mihaela Buzarnescu had to work extremely hard to see off the challenge of Alison Riske in the first round. She should be match sharp as a result ahead of her second-round clash with Marketa Vondrousova. But the Czech is ultimately the superior player and that should be reflected in the end result here.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Steen: Vondrousova leads the head-to-head 2-0, Buzarnescu has played lightly at the top level this season. Vondrousova should be the winner.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Yesh: Buzarnescu gutted her way through a tough opening match. She’s not healthy or at a high enough level to take it further, but that was a great win.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Sara Sorribes Tormo vs Fiona Ferro
Jim: Sara Sorribes Tormo pulled off the shock of the tournament so far when she beat world #1 Ashleigh Barty in straight sets in the first round. Backing that up against Fiona Ferro may not be straightforward for the Spaniard, but she should have just about enough to get past Ferro.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Steen: Ferro leads the head-to-head 2-0, but Sorribes Tormo has been playing better tennis this season so this match should be close. Sorribes Tormo should avoid a let down after upsetting Barty.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Yesh: Sorribes Tormo played a brilliant match to take out Barty in the first round. Expect that run of form to continue, though Ferro is no pushover.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
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