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, Jessica Pegula vs Anhelina Kalinina, and Paula Badosa vs Kaja Juvan. Predicting these matches are Fraser Learmonth, Jim Smith, and Shane Black.
French Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Mayar Sherif vs Tamara Zidansek
Fraser:
Zidansek looked very good in her straight sets win in round one. She was also a semifinalist here last year, so she clearly enjoys the conditions in Paris. She faces a tough, in-form opponent in Sherif, and will surely be tested again here. However, Zidansek is the better player and more comfortable on clay. She should advance again here.
Prediction: Zidansek in 3
Jim:
Tamara Zidansek got over the first hurdle in her attempt to return to the semifinals at the French Open, dismissing Claire Liu 6-2 6-2. She may have benefitted from the American’s fatigue, but it was still an impressive performance from Zidansek. More of the same should just about see her past Mayar Sherif, but don’t be surprised if this goes the distance.
Prediction: Zidansek in 3
Shane:
Mayar Sherif and Tamara Zidansek won their Round 1 matches in straight sets. They both seem to favor the slower clay courts, but something must give in Round 2. I slightly favor Zidansek who has more experience on the tour-level stage.
Prediction: Zidansek in 3
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Irina-Camelia Begu
Fraser:
Alexandrova appears to have finally figured out the red dirt. The Russian has been average at best on this surface until 2022. However, her 13-4 record on the surface this year makes her a favourite to go deep in Paris. Begu is a tough opponent, but Alexandrova has the power to hit through the Romanian and I expect her to do exactly that.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Jim:
As expected, Ekaterina Alexandrova had too much for Greet Minnen in the first round, but she may find things less straightforward up against Irina-Camelia Begu. The Romanian showed impressive fighting spirit to get past Jasmine Paolini and won’t want to give this one away. In the end though, Alexandrova should have too much quality.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Shane:
Irina-Camelia Begu is the superior player on the clay surface and the slow courts of Paris should give her the advantage. Ekaterina Alexandrova looked solid in her 7-5 6-3 Round 1 victory and made the semifinals in Charleston and Madrid earlier this year. I expect a very tight three-setter in this one.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Fernanda Contreras Gomez
Fraser:
Contreras Gomez scored perhaps the biggest win of her young career by upsetting Udvardy in her first match at Roland Garros. The young Mexican has her work cut out for her here though. Kasatkina is an in-form player with top ten tennis in her locker. If she plays to her best, the Russian should be able to move on easily enough here.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Jim:
Fernanda Contreras Gomez was no doubt delighted with her first-round win over Panna Udvardy on her Grand Slam debut. It continued what has been an excellent French Open for the Mexican qualifier. But Daria Kasatkina is a cut above any of the opposition she has faced so far.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Shane:
After winning three three-set qualifying matches, Fernanda Contreas Gomez powered by Panna Udvardy 7-6 6-3 in Round 1. #20 seed Daria Kastakina dropped just two games in her Round 1 victory. Contreras Gomez’s run will come to an end here.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Alison Riske
Fraser:
The list of players who might be able to take a set off of Iga Swiatek, let alone beat her, is a short one. Alison Riske is not on that list. The American has played some good tennis this year, but it’s hard to see her doing much to upset the superstar Swiatek here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jim:
Alison Riske played some excellent tennis at points in her first-round win over Dayana Yastremska, but this a whole different ball game for the American. Iga Swiatek has been in superb form this season, with the world #1 ranking seemingly only driving her to greater heights. It would be an almighty shock if Riske got the better of her.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Shane:
#1 seed Iga Swiatek has won 29 straight matches, 24 of them coming in straight sets. She looked very comfortable in her 6-2 6-0 Round 1 victory. I do not see veteran Alison Riske giving her much trouble.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
