It should be an entertaining day of tennis on day five at the Paris Olympics, and as always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match across the singles and doubles draws. But who will book their spot in the women’s doubles quarterfinals?
Paris Olympics Day 5 Predictions
Coco Gauff/Jessica Pegula vs Karolina Muchova/Linda Noskova
Jim: This should be a real test for Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. The Czech pair have the fundamentals of a good partnership, and both have shown that they can be effective on the clay. But they cannot match the Americans for experience and, frankly, quality.
Prediction: Gauff/Pegula in 3
Jordan: Gauff and Pegula’s results together had not been great heading into the Olympics. Experience together can be so important at big events though, and that might prove important here. Muchova and Noskova are both decent doubles players, but the Americans are the favourites to progress.
Prediction: Gauff/Pegula in 2
Yesh: The Czechs are a solid team and can cause some problems, but Gauff/Pegula are elite and will probably be looking for Gold now that both are out of singles. The Americans move on.
Prediction: Gauff/Pegula in 2
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Katie Boulter/Heather Watson vs Beatriz Haddad Maia/Luisa Stefanini
Jim: This is a tough match to call but what might just tip it in the Brazilian’s favour is their superior record on the clay. That said, Katie Boulter and Heather Watson have looked sharp so far in Paris and clearly have good chemistry together on the court, so they should be able to keep this close.
Prediction: Haddad Maia/Stefanini in 3
Jordan: Neither of these pairs were among the favourites to go far at the start of the tournament. However, each partnership has gelled well. Of the two, I favour the Brazilians slightly more. Their games complement each other particularly well.
Prediction: Haddad Maia/Stefanini in 2
Yesh: The Brits have looked excellent so far this event. They’re clicking as a team, and that spells trouble until they face top-level opponents.
Prediction: Boulter/Watson in 2
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Lyudmyla Kichenok/Nadia Kichenok vs Danielle Collins/Desirae Krawczyk
Jim: The Kichenok sisters have made a strong start to their campaign at the Paris Olympics, but this might just be a challenge too far for the Ukrainian pair. Desirae Krawczyk has had a very fine career as a doubles player and Danielle Collins appears to be extremely determined to make the most of her final season as a professional. It might go the distance, but it would be a surprise if the American’s did not have enough to get over the line.
Prediction: Collins/Krawczyk in 3
Jordan: This is a fascinating matchup between two strong pairs. The Kichenok sisters are a great team due to playing together regularly, but the Americans are narrowly favoured to win. Krawczyk is an outstanding doubles player, and Collins games combines well with hers.
Prediction: Collins/Krawczyk in 3
Yesh: The Kichenoks are a good team, but they’re about to run into an inspired Danielle Collins. She doesn’t want her Olympics career to end, and she’s going to carry this team another round.
Prediction: Collins/Krawczyk in 2
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Gabriela Dabrowski/Leylah Fernandez vs Mirra Andreeva/Diana Shnaider
Jim: Leylah Fernandez and Gabriela Dabrowski made light work of the French due of Clara Burel and Varvara Gracheva in the first round and if they can maintain that level against Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider – playing under a neutral flag at the Paris Olympics – expect the Canadians to secure their spot in the last eight.
Prediction: Dabrowski/Fernandez in 3
Jordan: Despite the talent Andreeva and Shnaider possess, the Canadians should triumph comfortably. Both are terrific doubles players, especially Dabrowski. Their strategic understanding in particular is greater than their young opponents.
Prediction: Dabrowski/Fernandez in 2
What a battle this should be. The Canadians are a great doubles team, but Andreeva is playing some impressive tennis here. Still, I think Dabrowksi’s doubles skills carry the day.
Prediction: Dabrowski/Fernandez in 3
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Shuko Aoyama/Ena Shibahara vs Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova
Jim: Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova might just be the favourites to lift the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. The Czech’s have an excellent record as a pair, including at the French Open and will take some stopping this week. Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara don’t look very likely to be the players to halt the Czech’s medal charge.
Prediction: Krejcikova/Siniakova in 2
Jordan: Not much needs to be said about this matchup. Although Aoyama and Shibahara are good doubles players, the Czechs are one of the best partnerships ever seen in women’s doubles. They have found their groove together again immediately and will be too good in this match.
Prediction: Krejcikova/Siniakova in 2
Yesh: This Japanese team is solid, but the Czech team is top-level. They’re on a collision course with Gauff and Pegula for Gold.
Prediction: Krejcikova/Siniakova in 2
Main photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
