It should be an entertaining fifth day at the Championships as the third round gets underway at Wimbledon. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all eight matches on the slate, including Madison Keys vs Laura Siegemund. But who will secure their spot in the second week at the All England Club?
Wimbledon Day 5 Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Emma Raducanu
Jim: At her very best, Emma Raducanu is a good enough player to win this match, but as encouraging as the last few weeks have been for the Briton, her best is still probably just out of reach. Aryna Sabalenka’s combination of power and accuracy will likely be too much for Raducanu.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Ilemona: Aryna Sabalenka has looked sharp in her opening two matches, but Emma Raducanu has barely put a foot wrong on return and is riding a real wave in front of the home crowd. Their only meeting went Sabalenka’s way, but that was a very different version of Raducanu. This could come down to who holds their nerve in the bigger moments.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Jordan: Raducanu was outstanding against Marketa Vondrousova, but she will probably need an even better performance against Sabalenka. The variety she showed against Vondrousova could help her in this matchup. But it is tough to go against Sabalenka. She is one of the best female players ever in the early rounds of Grand Slams.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Cristina Bucsa vs Solana Sierra
Jim: This is an incredible opportunity for both players to reach the second week at Wimbledon. It is something of a surprise to see both in the third round and there doesn’t look to be a huge amount in it. But Cristina Bucsa’s start at Wimbledon suggests to me that she might just have the edge.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Ilemona: Both have done well to navigate tricky matches so far, showing solid composure under pressure. Cristina Busca’s had the cleaner run, dropping fewer games, while Sierra had to fight through a tight second-round battle. They’ve never faced off before, and this feels like the kind of match where momentum could swing quickly.
Prediction: Sierra in 2
Jordan: Bucsa will not leak as many unforced errors as Katie Boulter, who played a terrible last couple of sets against Sierra. The Spaniard is much more patient and tries to extend the rallies. That style might frustrate her opponent, who usually likes to react to her opponent’s power.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Linda Noskova vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Jim: This should be an entertaining match with both players at their best when they’re on the front foot. But whilst it has been a very good tournament so far for Kamilla Rakhimova, Linda Noskova is probably a cut above the Russian – even at this early stage of her career.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Ilemona: Linda Noskova has made light work of her draw so far, backing up strong grass form coming in. Kamilla Rakhimova had to battle through a marathon in round two but showed real resilience. If she recovers well, this could be closer than the scorelines so far suggest.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Jordan: Rakhimova faces a different style to Jasmine Paolini. Noskova is more erratic, but also gives less time on her opponent’s groundstrokes. I think the Czech’s power can make a key difference here.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
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Amanda Anisimova vs Dalma Galfi
Jim: Amanda Anisimova should win this match. That doesn’t necessarily mean that she will, but she will certainly be the favourite coming into the match. It has been a good stretch on the grass for the American and she should be able to overpower Dalma Galfi.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Ilemona: Both have found their groove this week, with Dalma Galfi taking out seeded opposition and Amanda Anisimova yet to drop a set. They’ve never faced each other, but their games should match up well. If it turns into a rhythm battle, patience and shot selection will be key.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Jordan: Galfi has had a great run, but I believe it will end here. Anisimova’s massive hitting does not suit her game, and the American is playing the best grass-court tennis of her career. Galfi will do well to win a set.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
