Day 5 at Roland Garros, the French Open, continues with several intriguing second-round women’s clashes featuring 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 generally need major weapons to trouble Aryna Sabalenka. Elsa Jacquemot does not quite possess that firepower, making this look like a favorable matchup for the World No. 1.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Ateet:
Aryna Sabalenka was not at her sharpest in round one, getting broken multiple times, but still advanced comfortably. Elsa Jacquemot will likely swing freely with little pressure, though Sabalenka’s level should rise deeper into the tournament.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Zain:
Aryna Sabalenka survived a less-than-perfect opening match in straight sets and now enters a contest that again feels firmly on her racket. Expect the top seed to be sharper and more dialed in against Elsa Jacquemot.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Diana Shnaider vs McCartney Kessler
Jordan:
Both players are capable of absorbing pace in rallies but generally prefer to attack. On clay, Diana Shnaider appears to possess the higher ceiling and greater upside, which gives her the edge.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Ateet:
Diana Shnaider looked convincing in the first round, while McCartney Kessler needed a comeback victory after committing a huge number of unforced errors. Kessler’s serve can keep things competitive, but Shnaider should ultimately control the matchup.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Zain:
McCartney Kessler’s powerful serve means she can stay competitive in stretches, but Diana Shnaider’s superior movement and groundstroke quality on clay make this a difficult assignment for the American.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Camila Osorio
Jordan:
Expect a gritty and physical battle between two competitors who thrive on resilience rather than overwhelming power. Yulia Putintseva brings more variety, but Camila Osorio’s mentality and relentless attitude earn the narrow nod.
Prediction: Osorio in 3
Ateet:
Yulia Putintseva fought back in trademark fashion during the opening round, but Camila Osorio enters in good form and appears ready to push for a first trip to the third round in Paris. The Colombian gets a slight edge.
Prediction: Osorio in 3
Zain:
This matchup could hinge on whether Camila Osorio can turn the contest into a physical, defensive battle and neutralize Yulia Putintseva’s aggression. On slower clay, Osorio’s game may be slightly 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 semifinalist enters as the more likely winner.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Ateet:
Maria Sakkari ended a poor run in Paris with a confidence-boosting straight-set win in the opening round and now has an opportunity to build momentum. A deep run may be possible if she continues trusting her game.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Zain:
Maria Sakkari earned a confidence-building first-round victory and now faces Claire Liu, who could be fatigued after significant time spent on court since qualifying. The Greek looks well positioned to reach the third round.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
