With 16 intriguing second-round matches on the schedule, it looks set to be a day of entertaining tennis at the Tokyo Olympics. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Wang Qiang vs Garbine Muguruza, Viktorija Golubic vs Naomi Osaka and Leylah Fernandez vs Barbora Krejcikova. But who will reach the third round in the Japanese capital?
Tokyo Olympics Day 3 Predictions
Anna-Lena Friedsam vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Jim: Anna-Lena Friedsam played well in her opener to get the better of Britain’s Heather Watson, but this looks like a tall order for the German. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova had some problems in the first round, but with the temperature not her opponent as she conceded just one game. Friedsam may offer more resistance, but this should still be a comfortable day at the office for Pavlyuchenkova.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Steen: Pavlyuchenkova won their only previous meeting, but Friedsam did break a long losing streak with her first-round win over Heather Watson. Still Pavlyuchenkova is simply the better player and I doubt this match ends up close.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Yesh: Pavlyuchenkova reached the French Open final and it seems to really have loosened up her game. I don’t know if she’s a medal favorite, but she’s definitely one to watch out for.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Belinda Bencic vs Misaki Doi
Jim: Belinda Bencic snapped a poor run of form to get the better of Jessica Pegula in the first round and the Swiss will now surely have high hopes of going deep at the Tokyo Olympics. Misaki Doi will have aspirations of her own in that regard, particularly playing on home turf, but it is Bencic who will be the favourite going into the match and rightly so.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Steen: Bencic leads the head-to-head 3-0. Doi is playing at home and will be highly motivated, but Bencic is a player with a higher level of skill and consistency and should win as a result.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Yesh: Bencic played a strong match to take out Jessica Pegula in the opening round. Her second-round matchup isn’t as challenging.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Nina Stojanovic
Jim: Maria Sakkari made a fine start to her campaign at the Tokyo Olympics, brushing aside the challenge of Anett Kontaveit to win 7-5 6-2. Nina Stojanovic too looked sharp, getting the better of Nao Hibino for the loss of only six games. But the Greek should be a cut above here. Expect Sakkari to be the player to reach the third round.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Steen: Sakkari won their only meeting and of course comes off the Roland Garros semifinals. Stojanovic is good at times but struggles for consistency. Sakkari is the favourite.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Yesh: Sakkari seems to have shaken off her French Open disappointment, at least for now. She’s in excellent form and it would take a quality effort to beat her.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Donna Vekic
Jim: Aryna Sabalenka made light work of Magda Linette in the first round, dropping just three games in a comprehensive win. It seems unlikely that she will find things quite so straightforward up against Donna Vekic. But when the Belarusian is on song she has the power to hit through just about anyone and that includes Vekic.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Steen: Vekic leads the head-to-head 3-1 and there is no doubt that the Croatian is a capable player. But Sabalenka is coming off reaching the Wimbledon semis and looks to be playing better right now. Look for that head-to-head to narrow.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Yesh: This could be a great match if Vekic is in her best form. Unfortunately, we haven’t really seen that in a few years. Sabalenka should blast her off the court.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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