Expect plenty of entertaining tennis on day five at Wimbledon with eight third-round matches on the slate at the All England Club. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Aryna Sabalenka vs Emma Raducanu, but who will secure their spot in the last 16?
Wimbledon Day 5 Predictions
Madison Keys vs Laura Siegemund
Jim: Madison Keys can remain hit-and-miss, but she does seem to have been playing with a renewed confidence and purpose since winning her first Major title at the Australian Open earlier this year. Laura Siegemund is the sort of opponent that will make things difficult for the big-hitting American, but Keys should have enough to come through more-or-less unscathed.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Ilemona: Laura Siegemund has been rock solid through two rounds, dropping serve just once and staying in control throughout. Madison Keys had to survive a marathon against Elena Gabriela Ruse in the first round showing her usual fight but spending a lot of energy early. If Siegemund keeps mixing things up, this could be tougher than it looks on paper.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Jordan: Siegemund’s variety worked a treat in the opening two rounds. She will find it harder to implement that style because of how hard Keys strikes the ball. The German could make it competitive, but her run is likely to end here.
Prediction: Keys in 2
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Naomi Osaka vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Jim: There isn’t much in this. But Naomi Osaka, even if she is not quite the force she once was, has that much more experience on the biggest stage and, probably, that much more quality.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Ilemona: Naomi Osaka has looked sharp and focused, coming through a tough second-round test against Katerina Siniakova. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova had to dig deep in both her matches and brings loads of experience. Osaka has a solid lead in the head to head and this one could swing on how well she handles the longer rallies.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Jordan: There probably will not be many long rallies between two of the biggest hitters in the women’s game. Osaka has the better forehand, while Pavlyuchenkova’s backhand is superior. Overall, I trust Osaka’s level slightly more after her impressive win against Katerina Siniakova.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Elise Mertens
Jim: This looks like being another close match, but Elina Svitolina should have the edge. She has generally had the better of this rivalry and recently beat Elise Mertens on a grass court. The Ukrainian may not have things all her own way, but she should be able to get past Mertens.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Ilemona: Elina Svitolina has looked sharp so far, and she leads their head-to-head 5–3 with the most recent win coming at Bad Homburg. Elise Mertens had a dip in round two, dropping a set to Ann Li before steadying herself. If Svitolina keeps absorbing pace and redirecting well, this could tilt her way in the key rallies.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Jordan: Mertens is very solid in the opening couple of rounds at Grand Slams. But the Belgian often falls in the third round. Svitolina played excellently in her opening two matches, and will be tough to stop. I expect this to be competitive though.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
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Diane Parry vs Sonay Kartal
Jim: Sonay Kartal is in the midst of a dream run and will have the vocal backing of the crowd here. But will that be enough to see her safely past Diane Parry? Possibly, but the Frenchwoman is probably the more natural grass-courter.
Prediction: Parry in 3
Ilemona: Diane Parry’s variety has worked well through the first two rounds, but she hasn’t been pushed too hard yet. Sonay Kartal, on the other hand, has come through tougher tests and shown real composure under pressure. If she keeps serving well and stays aggressive, she might just have the edge in this one.
Prediction: Kartal in 2
Jordan: Both women were superb in the previous round. This is a really tough match to call, but I favour Parry slightly more. If her forehand fires like it did against Diana Shnaider, most players would find it challenging to stop her.
Prediction: Parry in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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