With a host of star names set to take to the courts at Roland Garros on day five at the Paris Olympics, there should be plenty of entertaining tennis for the fans to enjoy. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including all the action in both singles and doubles draws. But who will book their spot in the men’s doubles semifinals?
Paris Olympics Day 5 Predictions
Matthew Ebden/John Peers vs Dominik Koepfer/Jan-Lennard Struff
Jim: The Germans have impressed so far, with Jan-Lennard Struff’s power blasting them into the quarterfinals (though Dominik Koepfer deserves credit for an admirable supporting act). But they are facing a very accomplished doubles pairing in the shape of Matthew Ebden and John Peers. The Australians might just have the edge here.
Prediction: Ebden/Peers in 3
Shane: Ebden is one of the best doubles players in the world. Partnering with another doubles player, John Peers, the Australians will like their chances in a draw full of singles players. That said, Struff and Koepfer have shown incredible chemistry this week. If Struff continues to serve as well as he has been, the Germans will be tough to beat.
Prediction: Koepfer/Struff in 3
Damian: Ebden and Peers don’t have that much experience playing together, but with other partners they’ve been a factor at the top of the doubles game for a long while. They’re not invulnerable though and the surprise package of Koepfer/Struff might get them too. The playstyles of the Germans mix up very well with each other, somewhat like Koepfer/Hanfmann at this year’s Australian Open.
Prediction: Koepfer/Struff in 3
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Carlos Alcaraz/Rafael Nadal vs Austin Krajicek/Rajeev Ram
Jim: This will be an interesting match. Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram have both carved out excellent careers as doubles specialists. Admittedly, Ram has not had a huge amount of success on the clay, but Krajicek has lifted the title at the French Open. Still, with Carlos Alcaraz in such destructive form it is hard not to like the Spaniards chances.
Prediction: Alcaraz/Nadal in 3
Shane: Alcaraz and Nadal have been the talk of the doubles draw at the Paris Olympics. Their chemistry together is impeccable, and it shows that two elite singles players can form a formidable doubles team. They have a tall ask on their hands, squaring up against Krajicek and Ram. Although they are not usual partners, both Americans are currently ranked among the top 20 doubles players. Expect this one to be tight, but I’ll take the Spaniards. Their confidence grows with each match.
Prediction: Alcaraz/Nadal in 3
Damian: No one knew quite how good Alcaraz/Nadal would turn out to be, but especially the recent Wimbledon champion is really getting into the doubles groove and the legend had it from the very start. I believe they can also take down Krajicek/Ram, who are excellent doubles specialists but don’t quite have that chemistry going yet.
Prediction: Alcaraz/Nadal in 2
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Tomas Machac/Adam Pavlasek vs Kevin Krawietz/Tim Puetz
Jim: If Ebden and Peers do get the better of Struff and Koepfer, German medal hopes should still be kept alive by the pairing of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz. They have considerably more doubles experience than the Czech pair and that should prove to be the difference.
Prediction: Krawietz/Puetz in 3
Shane: The second-seeded German team is into the quarterfinals without facing much pressure. Krawietz and Puetz are experienced doubles players with an elite on-court rapport. Machac and Pavlasek overcame a set deficit in both their wins in Paris. It won’t happen again.
Prediction: Krawietz/Puetz in 2
Damian: Machac and Pavlasek are such an interesting duo, both reading the game very well and possessing a lot of quality on return. But this is going to be a real test for them as they’re facing Krawietz/Puetz, who are pretty much the title favorites at this point. They have what it takes to come close for sure, but do they have enough to win?
Prediction: Krawietz/Puetz in 3
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Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
