{"id":84383,"date":"2025-05-28T15:31:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T19:31:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=84383"},"modified":"2025-05-28T13:30:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T17:30:22","slug":"french-open-day-5-womens-predictions-azarenka-kenin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2025\/05\/28\/french-open-day-5-womens-predictions-azarenka-kenin\/","title":{"rendered":"French Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions Including Victoria Azarenka vs Sofia Kenin"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 Coco Gauff vs Tereza Valentova<\/a>, Mirra Andreeva vs Ashlyn Krueger<\/a>, and Madison Keys vs Katie Boulter<\/a>. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Manuel Traquete. Who do you think will advance?<\/p>\n

French Open Day 5 Predictions<\/h2>\n

Jessica Pegula vs Ann Li<\/h4>\n

Jordan:<\/em>
\nPegula will take nothing for granted after a poor clay-court swing for her so far that has included losses to Elise Mertens and Moyuka Uchijima. The World No. 3 needs to handle her compatriot\u2019s forehand, but has a significant advantage on the backhand side. Pegula should be able to avoid another upset by playing at about 70% of her best level.
\nPrediction: Pegula in 2<\/em><\/p>\n

Damian:<\/em>
\nLi is a strong clay-courter and won\u2019t be easy to beat, coming off Rabat quarterfinals and demolishing Carle in the opening round. Pegula is the Top 4 seed nobody is looking at during this event, but a strong win over Todoni in the opening round suggests she might just unexpectedly go pretty deep anyway.
\nPrediction: Pegula in 2<\/em><\/p>\n

Manuel:<\/em>
\nPegula’s quest for a first Slam is still going on but she remains one of the most consistent players on tour and should be able to go through these early rounds without much issue like she usually does.
\nPrediction: Pegula in 2<\/em><\/p>\n

Marie Bouzkova vs Sonay Kartal<\/h4>\n

Jordan:<\/em>
\nThis could be a lengthy battle regardless of whether it lasts two or three sets. Both women base their games on solid defence, meaning repeated gruelling rallies are to be expected. I trust Bouzkova\u2019s level more, and think she can get it done without needing a third set. If a decider is required, the match may be the lengthiest women\u2019s contest at this year\u2019s French Open<\/a>.
\nPrediction: Bouzkova in 2<\/em><\/p>\n

Damian:<\/em>
\nLooks like both players are fine after recent retirements, getting back to winning ways in style. Kartal gave the older Andreeva sister two games, while Bouzkova looked solid against Kalinskaya. Even though it\u2019s not a natural surface for her, the Brit seems like a player who can adjust better mid-match and isn\u2019t just reliant on consistency like her opponent.
\nPrediction: Kartal in 3<\/em><\/p>\n

Manuel:<\/em>
\nBouzkova has been troubled by injuries this year, but she is definitely the better player of the two especially on this surface. If she keeps up her level from the first round, she should advance here.
\nPrediction: Bouzkova in 2<\/em><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>