Day 5 at Roland Garros, the French Open, brings another compelling slate of second-round women’s matches, with title contenders, clay-court specialists, and breakout hopefuls all fighting for a place in the third round. Our writers break down the action and offer their predictions including for Coco Gauff’s match.
French Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Coco Gauff vs Mayar Sherif
Jordan:
Mayar Sherif is a clay-court specialist who should have moments in this match. The Egyptian possesses a dangerous forehand and keeping the ball away from Coco Gauff’s backhand represents her best chance of creating problems. Still, the defending champion should ultimately have too much quality and consistency.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Ateet:
Defending champion Coco Gauff endured a difficult opening match but handled the challenge impressively to advance in straight sets. Mayar Sherif claimed her first tour-level win in more than a year in round one, yet this represents a major step up in class and her run is likely to end here.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Zain:
After shaking off rust in the opening round, Coco Gauff looked every bit the defending champion during the latter stages of her first match. Against a grinder like Mayar Sherif, Gauff appears to hold advantages across most areas and should progress comfortably.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Oleksandra Oliynykova vs Kimberly Birrell
Jordan:
Kimberly Birrell produced a remarkable upset to eliminate Jessica Pegula, but backing that up will be difficult. Oleksandra Oliynykova dropped only three games in the first round and looks well suited to capitalizing if Birrell’s level dips after such a big emotional win.
Prediction: Oliynykova in 2
Ateet:
Kimberly Birrell stunned the No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula despite clay historically being her weakest surface. Oleksandra Oliynykova presents a more manageable matchup on paper, but sustaining that level after such an upset is difficult, making the Ukrainian the preferred choice.
Prediction: Oliynykova in 3
Zain:
Kimberly Birrell’s upset over Jessica Pegula showcased her aggressive baseline game, but this remains unfamiliar territory on clay. Oleksandra Oliynykova appears better suited to slower conditions and should be able to grind out a result in what could become a physical contest.
Prediction: Oliynykova in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Susan Bandecchi
Jordan:
Daria Kasatkina has rediscovered form after a difficult previous year and now faces an opponent who has already exceeded expectations by reaching this stage. A confident Kasatkina looks unlikely to stumble here.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Ateet:
Former semifinalist Daria Kasatkina is beginning to resemble the player who once sat comfortably inside the top 10. With a favorable draw and renewed confidence, this looks like a matchup she should handle efficiently.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Zain:
Susan Bandecchi has enjoyed an excellent tournament, coming through qualifying and already knocking out a seeded opponent. But after several demanding matches, fatigue may become an issue against Kasatkina, whose defensive skills and willingness to absorb pace are tailor-made for clay.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Ann Li vs Diane Parry
Jordan:
Ann Li should look to attack Diane Parry’s one-handed backhand repeatedly with inside-out forehands, her biggest weapon. Parry is dangerous on clay when playing confidently and home support will matter, but Li still gets the narrow nod.
Prediction: Li in 3
Ateet:
Diane Parry gave the French crowd something to celebrate after recovering from a first-set bagel to upset Anhelina Kalinina. Ann Li enters in stronger form overall and as the higher-ranked player, but the crowd could help make this much closer than expected.
Prediction: Li in 3
Zain:
Diane Parry will once again enjoy strong crowd backing, but Ann Li enters as the superior overall player. Expect the American’s heavy groundstrokes and movement to make life difficult for the Frenchwoman throughout the contest.
Prediction: Li in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
