Day 5 at Roland Garros, the French Open, continues with several intriguing women’s second-round matchups between title contenders, clay-court grinders and dangerous floaters. Our writers break down the action and share their predictions.
French Open Day 5 Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Elsa Jacquemot
Jordan:
Players who lack the movement of someone like Coco Gauff or Iga Swiatek usually need major weapons to bother Aryna Sabalenka. Elsa Jacquemot doesn’t possess that firepower, making this look like a favorable matchup for the World No. 1.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Atete:
Aryna Sabalenka was not at her best in the first round and was broken several times, but still advanced comfortably. Elsa Jacquemot is likely to swing freely with little pressure, although Sabalenka’s level should rise as the tournament progresses.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Zain:
Aryna Sabalenka survived a less than perfect opening match in two sets and now enters a competition where she once again feels steady on her racket. Expect the top seed to be sharper and more marked against Elsa Jacquemot.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Diana Shnaider vs. McCartney Kessler
Jordan:
Both players are capable of absorbing the rhythm of rallies, but generally prefer to attack. On clay, Diana Shnaider appears to have a higher ceiling and greater upside, which gives her an advantage.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Atete:
Diana Shnaider looked convincing in the first round, while McCartney Kessler needed a comeback after making a host of unforced errors. Kessler’s serve may keep it competitive, but Shnaider should ultimately control the matchup.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Zain:
McCartney Kessler’s powerful serve means she can stay competitive on the stretches, but Diana Shnaider’s superior movement and the quality of her groundstrokes on clay make this a difficult task for the American.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Yulia Putintseva against Camila Osorio
Jordan:
Expect a tough, physical battle between two competitors who thrive on resilience rather than overwhelming power. Yulia Putintseva brings more variety, but Camila Osorio’s relentless mindset and attitude earn her the nod.
Prediction: Osorio in 3
Atete:
Yulia Putintseva characteristically fought back during the first round, but Camila Osorio enters in good form and looks ready to fight for a first trip to the third round in Paris. The Colombian obtains a slight advantage.
Prediction: Osorio in 3
Zain:
This matchup could depend on whether Camila Osorio can turn the contest into a physical and defensive battle and neutralize Yulia Putintseva’s aggression. On slower clay, Osorio’s game may be a little better suited to prevail.
Prediction: Osorio in 3
Claire Liu vs. Maria Sakkari
Jordan:
At her best, Maria Sakkari is clearly the superior clay court player in this matchup. While inconsistency always creates uncertainty in her matches, the former Roland Garros semi-finalist arrives as the most likely winner.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Atete:
Maria Sakkari ended a losing streak in Paris with a straight-sets victory that boosted her confidence in the first round and she now has a chance to gain momentum. Perhaps a deep run is possible if he continues to trust his game.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Zain:
Maria Sakkari earned a confidence-boosting first-round win and now faces Claire Liu, who might be fatigued after spending a lot of time on court since qualifying. The Greek seems well positioned to reach the third round.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Feature Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images