Day 5 at the French Open wraps up the second round. As each player tries to move on to the Round of 32, the competition will only get more fierce. Day 5–Thursday–is full of great matches. Who will move on? We’re here to predict that for you. This set of matches features Serena Williams. (We also have two other sets of predictions for you. One features Amanda Anisimova vs Aryna Sabalenka, while the other headlines Naomi Osaka vs Victoria Azarenka.) Predicting this set of matches for you are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Eric Han, and Brett Margolies.
French Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Samantha Stosur vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Brett:
2010 French Open finalist Samantha Stosur was able to upset Strycova seemingly out of nowhere to advance to the second round. The Australian isn’t having the best season, but she’s very much a rhythm player and seems to be playing well right now. I think she’ll continue that and advance over Alexandrova.
Prediction: Stosur in 3
Eric:
On paper, Stosur should win this match easily. She was finalist here back in 2011, and has just beaten Strycova who is a decent player. However, Stosur is so inconsistent it is almost unbelievable! A tough prediction as it depends on which Stosur turns up.
Prediction: Stosur in 3
Yesh:
Stosur is well past where she was years ago, when she reached a French Open final and won a US Open title. She’s playing pretty well right now, and has a draw that gives her an opportunity at another run. She’ll make at least the third round.
Prediction: Stosur in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Qiang Wang
Brett:
Iga Swiatek took advantage of her draw, defeating French wildcard Selena Janicijevic in the opening round. Wang on clay certainly is a winnable match for the 17-year-old. Most Slams seem to have a breakthrough star, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Swiatek is just that on the women’s side.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Eric:
Wang is a “low-key” dark horse in the tournament. She is the 15th seed this year and has been playing well all year, and she reached her career high ranking of 16 last month. Yet no one seems to think she can be dangerous in the draw. Wang has been playing consistently all year and should get through this match.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Yesh:
Swiatek is a dangerous young player with a strong clay game. This might technically be an upset, but Swiatek should be favored.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Simona Halep vs Magda Linette
Brett:
Simona Halep survived a first-round scare going the distance with Tomljanovic. This match against Magda Linette should be easier for last year’s winner. I think Halep will use the Tomljanovic match as a wake-up call and win here comfortably.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Eric:
The defending champion got the job done in the first round. It was not all smooth sailing as Halep was nearly forced to a decider set, partly due to Tomjlanovic playing at a high level. This match should be straightforward for Halep, who should not be troubled.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Yesh:
Halep lost the second set in her first-round match, but Ajla Tomljanovic is much more dangerous that Linette is. I just don’t think the Pole has anything to challenge Halep with. The defending champion should cruise.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Serena Williams vs Kurumi Nara
Brett:
Serena also survived a scare, defeating Diatchenko from a set down. She didn’t look her best, but fortunately for her she doesn’t have to right now. If there’s a time for her to find form, it’s now with a matchup with Kenin-Andreescu up next for Serena.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Eric:
Williams was rusty in the first set against Diatchenko in the first round, but then steamrolled in the second and third set to advance. Williams should be much sharper in this match as she has now played a match here on the clay.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Yesh:
I thought that Serena might start out slow in her last match, partially because Diatchenko has the power to at least put her off-balance. Nara has a good variety to her game, but she can’t make Serena uncomfortable. This should be a straightforward win.
Prediction: Williams in 2
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