Notable names like Victoria Azarenka, Madison Keys, and Bianca Andreescu are in action during the second round of the French Open. Jordan Reynolds and Steen Kirby offer all their predictions for the day 5 matches.
Victoria Azarenka vs Mirra Andreeva
Jordan Reynolds: This is a tough second round for both players. But I like the teenager’s chances here. Andreeva usually plays her best tennis against players who give her a consistent pace. Azarenka, while a great player, is not someone who uses much variety in her game. Andreeva in 3
Steen Kirby: Andreeva reached a career high of #33 this year, and is coming off a string of quarterfinal runs in the spring, Vika Azarenka was a quarterfinalist in Charleston and in Rome and dropped just one game in her opening round match. This is a popcorn match if I ever saw one, with one of the older generation talents taking on the next gen in a Grand Slam, Azarenka’s experience should be invaluable here and get her through. Azarenka in 3
Madison Keys vs Mayar Sherif
Jordan: Keys is in great form but this will be a stiff challenge for her to overcome. Sherif is a clay-court specialist and has also been playing well lately. Keys will win if she finds her best level again but anything less could make this a close contest. Keys in 2
Steen: Mayar Sherif has reached three finals this year, and is a clay court specialist. Madison Keys remains in the top 15 and just won a title on clay in the lead up to the French Open. The American will face a quality opponent but should still overcome the triumph. Keys in 2
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Ana Bogdan
Jordan: An upset is possible here. Pavlyuchenkova sometimes struggles against players like Bogdan, whose game is based on putting extra balls into the court. The 2021 runner-up in Paris might just fall short. Bogdan in 3
Steen: Bogdan has never lost to Pavs, Pavlyuchenkova is a solid player on clay and is reliable to generally beat players at Bogdan’s level but the h2h creates pause. With that said, trends don’t last forever and Pavlyuchenkova is a good enough player to turn things around on a big stage. Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Anna Kalinskaya vs Bianca Andreescu
Jordan: Andreescu’s level was outstanding in the first round after being away from the sport for so long. Overcoming a powerful hitter and seeded player like Kalinskaya will be an even bigger achievement if she does it. That seems like a big ask in her second match back though, despite her impressive first round. Kalinskaya in 2
Steen: Kalinskaya has put together her best ever season thus far, while Andreescu is returning from a stress fracture in her back that kept her out for a year. Andreescu is no doubt a talented player but there’s a lot of question marks around her form given the lack of match practice, Kalinskaya is going to be a difficult opponent to dislodge against all but the top players right now. Kalinskaya in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
