Day 5 at Roland Garros continues with a fascinating slate of second-round women’s matches, featuring rising stars, resurgent contenders, and intriguing stylistic battles. Our writers break down the action and share their predictions for the French Open.
French Open Day 5 Predictions
Iva Jovic vs Emma Navarro
Jordan:
If this match reaches three sets, it has the potential to become one of the longest women’s contests of the tournament because of how effectively both players grind from the baseline. Despite Iva Jovic’s strong performance against Alexandra Eala, Emma Navarro appears to have rediscovered form and confidence reminiscent of her excellent 2024 season.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Ateet:
No. 17 seed Iva Jovic impressed against Alexandra Eala and now faces another stern test in Emma Navarro, who has found momentum at the ideal time. Still, Navarro may not yet be at her absolute best, and Jovic could capitalize by avenging a recent defeat in Strasbourg.
Prediction: Jovic in 3
Zain:
Both players delivered clinical opening-round performances to set up this all-American clash. Emma Navarro has seemingly revived her season after a title run in Strasbourg, where she defeated Jovic, but Iva Jovic’s higher ceiling and ability to dictate from the baseline could allow her to exact revenge if she remains composed.
Prediction: Jovic in 3
Victoria Mboko vs Katerina Siniakova
Jordan:
Katerina Siniakova possesses the variety and skill to succeed on any surface at her best, but clay may not provide her best opportunity against Victoria Mboko. The Canadian’s combination of controlled aggression and athleticism should translate well enough to see her through.
Prediction: Mboko in 2
Ateet:
Victoria Mboko breezed through her opening-round match, dropping just three games and showing growing comfort on clay. Katerina Siniakova represents a meaningful test, but Mboko’s form suggests she can edge through another difficult encounter.
Prediction: Mboko in 3
Zain:
Katerina Siniakova’s flair and court craft always make for compelling viewing, but against Victoria Mboko’s defensive consistency and physical tools on clay, success may be difficult to sustain. The Canadian appears to have all the ingredients necessary to reach the third round.
Prediction: Mboko in 2
Anna Kalinskaya vs Alina Korneeva
Jordan:
Anna Kalinskaya may not look like a genuine title threat because of lingering vulnerabilities on clay, but she still enters this matchup with a considerable advantage. Alina Korneeva may struggle to consistently live with Kalinskaya’s pace and clean ball striking.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 2
Ateet:
Anna Kalinskaya navigated a difficult first-round matchup solidly and now finds herself with a strong chance to reach the third round at Roland Garros for the first time. This feels like an opportunity she is well positioned to seize.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 2
Zain:
Alina Korneeva showcased her aggressive baseline game in round one and now meets another attacking player in Anna Kalinskaya. While Korneeva has the talent to remain competitive, Kalinskaya’s superior serve may prove decisive in determining who controls rallies.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Elise Mertens vs Maja Chwalinska
Jordan:
Maja Chwalinska deserves praise for upsetting Qinwen Zheng, though the Olympic champion struggled badly in that contest. Elise Mertens is remarkably dependable in the opening rounds of Grand Slams, and that consistency should help her avoid becoming another upset victim.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Ateet:
Elise Mertens has built a reputation for consistency at Grand Slams, particularly in Paris, while Maja Chwalinska arrives with confidence after the biggest win of her career. Chwalinska’s variety and moonball-heavy tactics caused problems previously, but Mertens should adapt better.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Zain:
Coming through qualifying before upsetting Qinwen Zheng, Maja Chwalinska enters with momentum and confidence. However, Elise Mertens’ experience and greater consistency from the baseline should ultimately help her withstand the challenge.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
