We wrap up Round 2 of the French Open women’s draw on Day 5 of the tournament. We will see 16 women’s matches as the best players in the world try to reach the third round. In a tournament already full of upsets, what do you think will happen on Thursday? We split the 16 matches between four articles. The other articles feature Karolina Pliskova vs Leolia Jeanjean, Iga Swiatek vs Alison Riske, and Paula Badosa vs Kaja Juvan. Predicting these matches are Fraser Learmonth, Jakub Bobro, and Andy Watson.
French Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Aleksandra Krunic vs Veronika Kudermetova
Fraser:
Krunic looked great against Rakhimova in her first match in Paris. By contrast, Kudermetova was less convincing and needed three sets to get past Zhu. Her performance hasn’t filled me with confidence and I suspect Krunic might topple another Russian here.
Prediction: Krunic in 3
Jakub:
Krunic seems to have finally found her form here, getting four out of her ten wins this year in Paris. Kudermetova looked shaky in her three-set win over Lin Zhu so we could see a potential upset here. It is tough to pick the Serb though as she is yet to pull off a win of this magnitude on this recent run.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Andy:
The Russian struggled through her opening match but did indeed win it. Krunic has come through qualifying and won her opening round but all against much lower standard opponents than Kudermetova. I think the Russian progresses from this match.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Anna Karolina Schmiedlova vs Danka Kovinic
Fraser:
Kovinic rallied from a set down to breeze past Samsonova and into Round 2. The Montenegro native only dropped three games in the last two sets. That level could see her make a decent run here in Paris and should be enough to see her past Schmiedlova. The Slovakian was less than convincing against Kucova, and I can’t see that level getting her a win here.
Prediction: Kovinic in 2
Jakub:
Kovinic pulled off the upset over Liudmila Samsonova in the first round but I feel that her second-round match is 50-50 at best. Schmiedlova had to come back from a set down against Kristina Kucova but holds a 4-2 head-to-head lead over the Montenegrin, including 2-1 on clay. It’s an even match-up but I will lean the way of the Slovak here.
Prediction: Schmiedlova in 3
Andy:
Both women fought through three set matches to get here but Kalinic was the more impressive, roaring back to defeat Liudmila Samsonova. If the Montenegrin continues that form then she should win this one, no doubt the players will stretch it to three sets just for fun.
Prediction: Kovinic in 3
Madison Brengle vs Aryna Sabalenka
Fraser:
Sabalenka continues to find ways to win without playing her best tennis. The Belarusian needed three sets to beat Paquet in her first match, but looked the better player once she found her feet. At her best, she is one of the best three or four players in the world. However, she has struggled to find that form. She should have enough to win this match, but will need to up her game if she is to beat tougher opponents down the line.
Predictions: Sabalenka in 2
Jakub:
This match-up is sure to have some fun moments if nothing else. Brengle dispatched Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-1 6-2 in the first round and her entire style of play revolves around making players like Sabalenka uncomfortable. The Belarusian had to come back from a set down against Chloe Paquet and will have to hit through Brengle to win this one. I’m going to predict the upset here although Sabalenka will be unstoppable if she can execute her game.
Prediction: Brengle in 3
Andy:
The American is having a trademark steady season at just over 50% win rate, exactly 50% on clay. However, as shaky as Sabalenka looked in the opening round, Brengle’s form and maximum level still shouldn’t just be good enough to get over the line against Sabalenka. I could see this perhaps going 3 sets but I see Sabalenka getting through.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Anhelina Kalinina
Fraser:
Pegula made a meal of closing out the second set against Wang in her last match. The American can’t afford to be as sloppy here against an in form Kalinina. The Ukrainian is enjoying a breakout season on the tour, and I think she continues her great year with an upset win here against Pegula.
Prediction: Kalinina in 3
Jakub:
Both players are 8-3 on clay this season with Pegula beating Qinwen Zheng in her opener while Kalinina got a retirement from Hailey Baptiste. Kalinina won their previous two clay meetings though they happened in 2018 while Pegula was the winner in their last full match at the Australian Open. If that match is anything to go by, we should be in for quite the clash here but I see Pegula coming out on top again.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Andy:
The seeded American will do well not to take Kalinina lightly here. The Ukrainian is really improving and is at her highest ranking at 36. Amazingly she has won her last 16 matches in France so clearly enjoys the cuisine. However, Pegula is also at her highest ever ranking at 11 so it should be high quality. I like Kalinina to win this on clay, she has won both matches in the H2H on the dirt.
Prediction: Kalinina in 2
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