The final matches of the first round at the French Open are set to be played on day three and there should be plenty of exciting tennis for the fans in Paris. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Pegula, Karolina Pliskova vs Mayar Sherif, Elena Rybakina vs Sorana Cirstea and Jennifer Brady vs Clara Tauson. Making their picks for this set of matches are Jim Smith and Damian Kust. But who will book their place in the second round?
French Open Day Three Women’s Predictions
Julia Goerges vs Alison Riske
Jim: It has been a struggle for Alison Riske since the season resumed, with the American picking up just one win so far. But she is still perhaps in better form than Julia Goerges. The German’s first and thus far only match since the season resumed ended in a 0-6 1-6 defeat to Danka Kovinic in Rome, with Goerges looking short of match sharpness. Unless she can master a huge improvement, expect Riske to get back to winning ways.
Prediction: Riske in 3
Damian: Goerges has played just one match after the restart, winning only a single game against Kovinic in Rome. It’s unlikely she’ll be that poor again though and Riske’s clay-court game is pretty much non-existent.
Prediction: Goerges in 3
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Donna Vekic vs Irina Bara
Jim: Donna Vekic is another player who has been underperforming of late. The Croatian’s best showing was reaching the third round at the US Open and she lost in the first round in Rome, although she did face a tough draw in the Italian capital. Unfortunately for Vekic, she has received another difficult opening assignment against the qualifier Irina Bara. An upset could well be on the cards here.
Prediction: Bara in 3
Damian: Vekic can play well on clay, even if she hasn’t exactly been showing that lately, and her very clean ball striking should be enough to get her through to the second round here. She won’t be very happy about the really slow conditions though.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
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Monica Niculescu vs Danielle Collins
Jim: It has been a season to forget for Danielle Collins, both before and after the restart. Nor does it seem likely to get any better in the French capital. The slow, heavy conditions will surely not favour Collins approach of generating power by taking the ball early, whilst Monica Niculescu should be match sharp after coming through the qualifying.
Prediction: Niculescu in 3
Damian: While Collins surely has the power to hit through the court in these conditions, Niculescu’s forehand slice is a great tool to disrupt the American. The Romanian will also be familiar with the surface and conditions after coming through the qualifying and is one of the most tactically aware players on the tour.
Prediction: Niculescu in 3
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Petra Martic vs Misaki Doi
Jim: Petra Martic has not quite been at her best in recent weeks, although she has had some good results, reaching the semifinals in Palermo and the fourth round at the US Open. It does look like it will be a struggle for the Croatian to replicate her run to the quarterfinals last season, but she should have enough to get past Misaki Doi.
Prediction: Martic in 2
Damian: Martic surely has the chance to put together a good run at the French Open this season. Her versatile game is well suited to clay and she should not have a hard time against an opponent who has never really found any success on this surface.
Prediction: Martic in 2
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