Monday is the Day 2 of action at the French Open. We are predicting every single one of Monday’s 24 matches for you, across six separate articles. Each article predicts four matches. The other five articles feature Serena Williams vs Kristie Ahn, Amanda Anisimova vs Tamara Korpatsch, Garbine Muguruza vs Tamara Zidansek, Petra Kvitova vs Oceane Dodin, and Madison Keys vs Shuai Zhang, respectively. Predicting this set of matches are Jim Smith, Sean Judge, and myself (Yesh Ginsburg).
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Aliona Bolsova vs Jasmine Paolini
Jim:
Bolsova is another player who appeared to have lost their way after a fine showing at the 2019 French Open. But the Spaniard played some good tennis at the Italian Open, reaching the second round as a qualifier. But Paolini has been picking up some impressive wins of late, which suggests that this will be a close contest. Bolsova’s good memories of Paris might just give her the edge, however.
Prediction: Bolsova in 3
Sean:
Paolini is a great clay court player and has built her ranking up high enough to enter the French Open without entering qualifying. She posted some decent results in Palmero and Rome already and will put up a great match against Bolsova. Bolsova surprised many last year in reaching the fourth round at Roland Garros and is entering the tournament on high confidence once again. She qualified for Rome and won a main draw match too, so will hope to play a great first round match.
Prediction: Bolsova in 3
Yesh:
This should be a very tight match that really could go either way. In the end, though, Paolini has a tendency to struggle in tight moments, and that may very well just see Bolsova through.
Prediction: Bolsova in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Varvara Gracheva
Jim:
Elina Svitolina looks to have found some form just in time for the French Open after her run to the quarterfinals in Rome and the title in Strasbourg. Fatigue could be an issue for the Ukrainian, who has had just one day of rest, but even if she is not at her very best, she should have enough to account for Gracheva.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Sean:
Svitolina has just recently won her second tournament of the year in Strasbourg after defeating Rybakina in the final. She has restarted the season playing some great tennis and will definitely be considered as a title contender. Her opponent, Gracheva reached round three at the US Open for the first time in her career and is playing some of her best tennis. It could be a close match but Svitolina should progress.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Yesh:
Svitolina looks to be entering this tournament in elite form. Looking around the game right now, she should be one of the favorites to take home the crown here.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Renata Zarazua vs Elsa Jacquemot
Jim:
It will be interesting to see how quickly the wild card Jacquemot is able to adapt on her debut in the main draw at a Major. But it is hard to see her getting the better of Zarazua, who should be match sharp and acclimated to the conditions in Paris after coming through the qualifying, particularly as Jacquemot will not be able to call on the partisan French crowd.
Prediction: Zarazua in 2
Sean:
Zarazua surprised many as she qualified for her first Grand Slam. She played some excellent tennis in the qualifying tournament against some talented players. Her opponent, Jacquemot, got herself a wildcard into the tournament. She is only seventeen years old and reached the quarterfinals of the junior tournament last year. Zarazua is expected to get her first ever Grand Slam victory.
Prediction: Zarazua in 2
Yesh:
This match is a good opportunity for two unfamiliar names. It’s hard to really make a pick here, but you have to think that the player with far more experience at higher levels–and who just came through qualifying–has the big advantage.
Prediction: Zarazua in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Marketa Vondrousova
Jim:
Both Swiatek and Vondrousova enjoyed memorable runs in Paris last year, particularly the Czech, who reached the final. Vondrousova initially appeared to struggle with the increased pressure that followed her exploits in Paris, but she has found some form in recent weeks. Swiatek, in contrast, arrives in Paris under a cloud following a string of disappointing results. It’s hard to see past the Czech as a result.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Sean:
One of the most highly anticipated matches of the first rounds is between Swiatek and Vondrousova. The two talented uprising stars are expected to put in a great match. Swiatek has been far from her best form recently making far too many unforced errors in her matches. Vondrousova recently reached the semifinals in Rome playing a lot better tennis than she has been recently. It will be a close call but I think the Czech could take the win.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Yesh:
This could be an incredible match. Vondrousova has the better clay pedigree and results, but Swiatek has a much higher upside. Neither has quite been at their best lately, which does not bode well for Swiatek’s powerful but high-risk game. Especially on the clay, I have to go with Vondrousova.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
