The second round of the women’s singles wraps up on Day 5 of the French Open. We get 16 great matches on Thursday, but who will reach the third round. As always, our writers share their thoughts on all of the matches. We split the 16 matches between four articles–the other three feature Madison Keys vs Katie Boulter, Mirra Andreeva vs Ashlyn Krueger, and Victoria Azarenka vs Sofia Kenin. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Manuel Traquete. Who do you think will advance?
French Open Day 5 Predictions
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Jordan:
Cocciaretto will need to defend more than she likes to win this match. The Italian tries to play on the front foot, but doing that against Alexandrova’s flat shots is not easy. I’m not sure that Cocciaretto has the consistent defensive discipline to win this match.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Damian:
Alexandrova’s all-or-nothing game isn’t perfectly suited to clay, but she’s such a quality player that you just can’t do much when she’s on. She’s already defeated one gritty Italian in Bronzetti, here it’s almost like she’s jumping into the same encounter again. You never really know with the Russian, but it’s on her racket for sure.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Manuel:
Both players showed some good tennis in the firsr round, but Alexandrova is clearly the better player overall and should have quite a clear edge here.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Magdalena Frech vs Marketva Vondrousova
Jordan:
Vondrousova played very well in her opening match considering she had been out for a few months. Frech usually plays her best tennis on hard courts, but has made improvements on clay since the start of 2024. The Pole will likely present a tougher challenge for Vondrousova than the previous round, and the former Wimbledon champion’s rust might become more noticeable.
Prediction: Voudrousova in 2
Damian:
It’s an interesting one as while Vondrousova has the incredible Roland Garros runs from past years, she’s also playing her first event since February. In top form, she’d be all over Frech. But the Pole knows how to make a match physical and has good touch to respond to the variety as well. This is where we’ll see if Vondrousova is ready to compete at 100%.
Prediction: Voudrousova in 3
Manuel:
Although Frech is far higher ranked at the moment, Vondrousova reached the quarters here last year and is a former finalist, as well as a Wimbledon champion, whose ranking has been negatively impacted by injury. All things considered, she should be able to advance here.
Prediction: Voudrousova in 3
Yulia Putintseva vs Joanna Garland
Jordan:
Garland got her first Grand Slam main-draw win after coming from 0-3 and a double-break down in the deciding set against Katie Volynets. Although Putintseva got a welcome win in the opening round after a challenging season so far, I am backing an upset here. Garland thrives most when she has time on her shots and handles variety well, making her a dangerous opponent for Putintseva.
Prediction: Garland in 3
Damian:
Great run from qualifying for Garland, who’s already won three titles on the ITF Tour this season and will improve her career-high ranking. Putintseva hasn’t been quite as consistent as in the last few years, leaving her more vulnerable to upsets. But if she fought her way through Sierra, she’s also likely getting through here.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Manuel:
Garland has won four matches in a row here, including qualifying, but this should be the end of the line for her as Putintseva will be a considerable jump in level from her previous opponents.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Coco Gauff vs Tereza Valentova
Jordan:
Valentova won a thrilling match in the opening round against Chloe Pacquet. That was her maiden Grand Slam win, but the 18-year-old’s chances of getting another against Gauff are very slim. Valentova’s level in the opening round would get her a few games at best against the World No. 2.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Damian:
Valentova didn’t spend much time playing on clay this season, mostly impressive in indoor performances at the start of the year. But the 18-year-old’s talent is exploding here with a great run from the qualifying. Even if Gauff is likely a bit too strong, this will be such an important experience for the youngster.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Manuel:
Gauff has only lost to Iga Swiatek in the last three editions of Roland Garros and is one of the favorites to finally win it all this year. Valentova causing her issues here, let alone winning, would be a huge surprise.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
