The second round continues at Roland Garros, the French Open, with a fascinating slate of women’s matches featuring big hitters, dangerous floaters, and players hoping to build momentum on clay. From a blockbuster clash between Naomi Osaka and Donna Vekic to Madison Keys facing a dangerous disruptor, our writers break down the action and offer their predictions.
French Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Naomi Osaka vs Donna Vekic
Jordan:
This will be among the hardest-hitting second-round women’s matches of the tournament. Both women are prone to inconsistency on clay, but Naomi Osaka gets the slight edge. Donna Vekic’s fluctuations in form have persisted across surfaces for more than a year, making it difficult to trust her in a match like this.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Ateet:
Naomi Osaka came through a demanding opening-round encounter against Laura Siegemund, using her firepower effectively in straight sets. Donna Vekic has shown signs of form, but she is still not performing consistently at her best, and Osaka should be able to capitalize in the key moments.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Zain:
This matchup contrasts Naomi Osaka’s aggressive first-strike game against Donna Vekic’s more traditional topspin-heavy clay-court style. Osaka’s serve will be vital in earning free points, especially if Vekic gains traction from the baseline. An upset feels possible, but Vekic’s inconsistency makes Osaka the safer pick.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Madison Keys vs Antonia Ruzic
Jordan:
An upset could be brewing here. Antonia Ruzic has a game that is well suited to frustrating power hitters like Madison Keys, and if she keeps enough balls in play, Keys may become increasingly impatient over the course of the contest.
Prediction: Ruzic in 3
Ateet:
Madison Keys may not be among the top title favorites in Paris, but her quality should still be enough to overcome Antonia Ruzic, who earned her first French Open main draw victory in round one. If Keys keeps her unforced errors under control, she should move through comfortably.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Zain:
Expect aggressive baseline exchanges as both players rely heavily on power. Antonia Ruzic can make things difficult if she finds rhythm, particularly against a player for whom clay is not the preferred surface, but Keys’ superior ball quality and ability to build momentum should carry her through.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Katie Boulter vs Anastasia Potapova
Jordan:
Anastasia Potapova has been on a strong run lately, while clay remains Katie Boulter’s weakest surface despite recent improvements. Boulter is likely to leak too many errors to realistically trouble a confident Potapova.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Ateet:
Katie Boulter survived a difficult first-round match despite failing to convert plenty of opportunities. She will need a dramatic level increase to challenge an in-form Anastasia Potapova, who breezed through her opener.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Zain:
Katie Boulter reached the second round on her weakest surface, but Anastasia Potapova holds advantages in movement and power on clay. While Potapova can occasionally overhit, the margin she enjoys on this surface should make the difference.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Amanda Anisimova vs Julia Grabher
Jordan:
Amanda Anisimova returned from injury with little preparation, but her power and natural talent still separate her from much of the field. Even if rust remains, she should have enough quality to find solutions in this matchup.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Ateet:
World No. 6 Amanda Anisimova looked sharp in her return after time away, quickly shaking off rust in her opening match. Improving behind the second serve will be important, but she still enters as the favorite against Julia Grabher.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Zain:
Amanda Anisimova made a successful return in Paris following a wrist injury layoff. Julia Grabher is comfortable on clay, but Anisimova’s weapons from the baseline and superior serve-return dynamic should ultimately prove too much.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
