Monday is the second day of action at the French Open. We are predicting every single one of the day’s 24 matches for you, across six separate articles. Each article predicts four matches. The other five articles feature Serena Williams vs Kristie Ahn, Petra Kvitova vs Oceane Dodin, Garbine Muguruza vs Tamara Zidansek, Iga Swiatek vs Marketa Vondrousova, and Madison Keys vs Shuai Zhang, respectively. Predicting this set of matches are Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and Ewan West.
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Angelique Kerber vs Kaja Juvan
Jim:
Kerber showed some signs of life at the US Open, where she reached the fourth round, but she was well-beaten there by Jennifer Brady and she suffered an equally heavy defeat in the first round in Rome. Juvan may well like her chances as a result, but there is a huge gulf in experience between the two players and that should just about give Kerber the edge.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Damian:
Angelique Kerber’s form is a bit of a question mark, especially after her easy loss to Siniakova in Rome. The German has never done that well on clay and there is a possible upset looming here. In the long run, Kerber should be able to cover the court well enough to make Juvan play the extra shot in every rally and force errors.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Ewan:
Both players fell in the Rome first round, but Juvan won two qualifying matches. This could be a test for Kerber on her weakest surface, but she should find a way through.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Katerina Siniakova vs Lauren Davis
Jim:
After a miserable run in New York, Siniakova was doubtless pleased to return to the clay and the Czech has played some fine tennis in recent weeks. Davis, on the other hand, has struggled badly, with her defences too easily breached on a surface she does not look comfortable on. Anything other than a Siniakova win would be a real shock.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Damian:
Siniakova’s recent wins over Alexandrova and Kerber were of top-quality. This form should be enough for an opponent who’s never fancied playing on the dirt.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Ewan:
Davis is on a seven-match losing streak, while Siniakova found form in Rome and Strasbourg. The Czech is comfortable on this surface, and should win the pair’s first meeting.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Kiki Bertens vs Katarina Zavatska
Jim:
It once seemed to be only a matter of time before Bertens claimed the French Open title, but the Dutchwoman has rather lost her way over the past 18 months and is struggling for fitness. However, she has been handed a relatively kind draw, with Zavatska arriving in Paris in less than impressive form. Provided Bertens is healthy, this is a match she should win.
Prediction: Bertens in 2
Damian:
Kiki Bertens is coming into the Roland Garros without any match rhythm, but you can never underestimate the Dutchwoman’s clay-court game. Especially as the opponent shouldn’t be very demanding.
Prediction: Bertens in 2
Ewan:
Bertens is 0-2 since returning to tour in Rome, including a retirement against Ostapenko in Strasbourg. If fit, expect the 2016 semifinalist to return to winning ways against Zavatska.
Prediction: Bertens in 2
Amanda Anisimova vs Tamara Korpatsch
Jim:
After her breakout run in Paris last year, Anisimova will return to Paris with considerable expectation on her young shoulders. Unfortunately for the American, there was little in her performances in Rome and Strasbourg to suggest she will be able to make a similar impact this year. But Korpatsch, who has not played since the US Open, probably won’t be the one to end Anisimova’s run.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Damian:
The American made the semis here last year but hasn’t been in that form pretty much since that run. Still, a return to Paris should bring good memories and hopefully, an improvement in her game.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Ewan:
Anisimova has not been at her best since the restart, but the 2019 semi-finalist should be too good for the #123 ranked German–who is without a WTA main draw win this year.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
