Top 5 player Elena Rybakina and former French Open finalist Sara Errani are on the match card for day 5 of the French Open in Paris. Jordan Reynolds and Steen Kirby offer their comprehensive predictions for round 2 action.
Elena Rybakina vs Arantxa Rus
Jordan Reynolds: Rus will try and frustrate and extract errors from Rybakina with heavy left-handed topspin forehands and her athleticism. That type of style can occasionally trouble Rybakina but it is unlikely to be enough. The Dutchwoman’s serve is also very attackable, which Rybakina should be able to exploit. Rybakina in 2
Steen Kirby: Rybakina is having an amazing season, a 31-5 record with 3 titles and it’s only the end of May, the h2h is split 1-1 but Rybakina won their only French Open meeting. Rus has been 13-16 on the year, she’s a capable player at times but there’s nothing to imply that she’s going to pull off an upset against one of the top players in tennis form wise and rankings wise. Rybakina in 2
Emma Navarro vs Sara Errani
Jordan: Errani’s four consecutive wins since qualifying at this late stage of his career were very impressive. However, her tournament will almost certainly end here. Navarro can more than match the Italian’s gritty style and also possesses more firepower as well. Navarro in 2
Steen: Errani reached the French Open final more than a decade ago and after qualifying here she is in the second round against the talented young gun Navarro. Navarro has a lot more upside to her game, Errani’s guile and cunning will have value but Navarro is the one who inspires the most confidence on the court. Navarro in 2
Linda Noskova vs Irina-Camelia Begu
Jordan: Noskova needs to be on her game here. Begu won very comfortably in the last round and competently on clay. This could be a tight battle between these two and it is one Noskova may not be able to survive. Begu in 3
Steen: Noskova won their only meeting, Begu is a specialist on clay these days who has a good history at this tournament, Noskova may be the better player overall but confidence on this surface and experience favors Romania’s Begu. Begu in 2
Qinwen Zheng vs Tamara Korpatsch
Jordan: Korpatsch is an awkward opponent who will try and disrupt Zheng’s powerful style. She is likely not at a consistent enough level to be able to do that well enough. Zheng to hit through her and win in straight sets. Zheng in 2
Steen: The top 10 player Zheng hasn’t been in perfect form but against a player like Korpatsch who struggles for consistency she will start as a reliable favorite. Zheng isn’t among the title contenders in terms of discussion but she could make a sneaky run here and end up in the second week as a contender once the dust settles. Zheng in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
