Second round action at Roland Garros features world #2 Aryna Sabalenka and a host of others in action in Paris. We have predictions for every men’s and women’s match on day 5.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Moyuka Uchijima
Jordan Reynolds: Uchijima got a good win in the last round and has nothing to lose here. But it is difficult to see how she competes with the world No. 2. There is nothing in her game that is likely to hurt Sabalenka. Sabalenka in 2
Steen Kirby: A finalist in Rome and Madrid (losing to Swiatek twice), Sabalenka made light work of her first round opponent, the qualifier Uchijima has been amazing at the ITF level, winning three straight weeks worth of matches, and she’s won six ITF titles this year. We will be seeing more from the Japanese player soon, but upsetting Sabalenka would still be a monumental feat, let’s see if she can first keep it competitive for a set. Sabalenka in 2
Bernarda Pera vs Varvara Gracheva
Jordan: It will be interesting to observe how Gracheva can build on her stunning win against Maria Sakkari. Pera is a very different kind of player and the Frenchwoman will have to manage the increased expectations on her shoulders. Overall, I just about trust her power from the baseline enough to win again, even if she is not at the same level as the previous round. Gracheva in 3
Steen: Pera only lost two games in her opening round match, the American was solid in the qualifying rounds of tournaments this spring but has struggled at WTA Tour level since reaching the top 30 last year. Gracheva plays under the French federation banner now, she comes off an upset of Maria Sakkari in three sets in the opening round and like Pera has found some success in the qualifying rounds of the spring clay tournaments. In theory this matchup is pretty even but Gracheva’s momentum looks notable. Gracheva in 3
Hailey Baptiste vs Jasmine Paolini
Jordan: Paolini should be comfortable here. Lucky loser Baptiste got a great win to reach this stage against Kayla Day but her Italian opponent represents a steep rise in quality. Paolini is a better player in all departments. Paolini in 2
Steen: Baptiste won their only meeting, the American has been rising a bit recently but Paolini is a top 15 player in the world and has 17 wins this year, odds are she will ease her way through this match. Paolini in 2
Elina Avanesyan vs Anna Blinkova
Jordan: Blinkova’s dramatic win against Sorana Cirstea was one of the best matches of the first round. But Avanesyan has a good chance of ending her tournament. She excels at extending the rallies on clay, which is key to defeating Blinkova. Avanesyan in 2
Steen: Avenesyan won their only meeting, the 21 year old Russian has 8 tour level match wins this year and is rapidly moving towards the top 50. Her compatriot Blinkova is a solid veteran player but has less upside, she is 9-13 this year after 26 tour level wins last year. This should be a quality match.
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