We close out the second round today and the early stages of this year’s French Open have delivered both brilliant matches and set us up well for the remainder of the event. As always, we here at LWOT will preview and predict every match. Who do you think will complete the Round of 32 lineup?
French Open Day 5 Predictions
Bianca Andreescu vs Emma Navarro
Glenys: Andreescu knocked out 18th seed Azarenka in the first round, whilst Navarro had a non seeded player. Both needed three sets to progress. The Canadian didn’t have a good run in to Paris, getting knocked out in the first round in most. However, she will be up for the fight
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Yesh: Bianca Andreescu found some old magic to come back and take out Victoria Azarenka. Unfortunately for her, the magic has rarely lasted for more than a match at a time in recent years. Emma Navarro is solid enough that if the Canadian isn’t consistent, she’ll be able to win.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Jack: Bianca Andreescu’s win over Victoria Azarenka was lost in the noise of Gael Monfils’s win last night but the Canadian played one of the best matches of her season so far. The ails of the injury sustained in Miami seem to have healed—her level is there to dispatch Emma Navarro fairly comfortably.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2.
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Sara Sorribes Tormo vs Petra Martic
Glenys Furness: The Croatian took out the 32nd seed in the first round over three sets. The Spaniard only needed a straight set win to progress. The first meeting of these two on tour and in one of the biggest arenas. Hard to predict this one as it really could go either way
Prediction: Martic in 3
Yeshayahu Ginsburg: Petra Martic looked to be marching to a French Open title back in 2019. After a heartbreaking loss to Marketa Vondrousova in the quarterfinals, she’s never quite been the same. She should win this match if she finds even her B-game, but that hasn’t been consistent in big matches recently.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Jack Edward: Is Sara Sorribes Tormo lurking as a dark horse at this tournament? The Spaniard is the ultimate grinder so, with the conditions as slow as they are, she could be near impossible to breakdown. Whilst Petra Martic has impressed recently, any vulnerabilities could be found by the Sorribes Tormo wall.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3.
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Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Diana Shnaider
Glenys: The Brazilian totally decimated Maria in the first round, whilst Shnaider had to fight hard for the win to move into the second round. Haddad Maia is seeded and is on blistering form right now. This can only go one way
Prediction: Hadad Maia in 2
Yesh: I have no idea how Diana Shnaider did it. Less than a week ago, she was competing (very well) at the NCAA Championships, on hard courts in Florida. She transitioned to clay so effortlessly and impressively––with no signs of jet lag––that it feels foolish to pick against her now, even if I think Haddad Maia is a much better player.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Jack: Diana Shnaider is starting to gain the big match experience to be considered dangerous here. Beatriz Haddad Maia is the favourite on physicality alone, however. She should be able to outlast her opponent in plenty of lung-busting rallies.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2.
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Ons Jabeur vs Oceane Dodin
Glenys: The seventh seed eased through the first round, as was expcted. Dodin needed three sets to get through. Jabeur didn’t have the greatest buildup and had to withdraw from the semi final in Stuttgart with injury and then lost in the first round in the Italian Open. However, here in Paris Jabeur so far seems to be going well
Prediction; Jabeur in 2
Yesh: Jabuer has been relatively quiet recently, but she’s still one of the absolute best in the game. Dodin doesn’t have what it takes to challenge her.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Jack: Ons Jabeur hasn’t been awe-inspiring recently but there’s no denying her talent on natural surfaces. Oceane Dodin will be used to dictating proceedings off of her own racket but the Tunisian should be able to employ the variety required to disrupt the rhythm of the Frenchwoman.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
