There should be plenty of entertaining tennis on day one at the French Open, with 20 intriguing matches on the slate. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Amanda Anisimova vs Veronika Kudermetova, Ana Konjuh vs Aryna Sabalenka, Victoria Azarenka vs Svetlana Kuznetsova and Greet Minnen vs Petra Kvitova. Making their picks for this group of matches are Jim Smith and Andrew Watson. But who will reach the second round?
French Open Day 1 Predictions
Patricia Maria Tig vs Naomi Osaka
Jim: Whether she speaks to the press or not, Naomi Osaka’s stay in Paris does not seem destined to be a long one. The Japanese has still not mastered the art of playing on the clay, with her movement looking particularly uncertain. But her power, both from the line and off the ground, should see her past Patricia Maria Tig.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Andrew: The Japanese hasn’t been at her best on the clay and has never seemed to have taken to it at all. Tig will get her chances and the Romanian has nothing to fear in this battle. This could go three sets and if Tig was in better form then maybe she could cause an upset. However, Osaka should ultimately have too much for the world #63.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
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Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Ana Bogdan
Jim: This is a big opportunity for both players to reach the second round at a Major. Elisabetta Cocciaretto played well to come through the first two rounds of qualifying, only to fall just short against Wang Xiyu. But she was handed a reprieve as a lucky loser and, if she can put a run together, would not be the first player to take advantage of that good fortune. She may have just about too much for the out of form Ana Bogdan.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 3
Andrew: I’m going to favour the Italian here despite the fact she was a lucky loser in qualifying. Her general form and previous history on clay is a shade better than Bogdan’s so it’s with Cocciaretto that I side.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 3
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Clara Tauson vs Ekaterine Gorgodze
Jim: Clara Tauson has slightly flattered to deceive of late, with the Dane going through a period of poor form, with injury trouble not helping. The future remains very bright for the 18-year-old, but this tournament may have come at the wrong time. Expect Ekaterine Gorgodze, who impressed in coming through the qualifying, to have the edge.
Prediction: Gorgodze in 3
Andrew: Though the Dane has gone off the boil in recent weeks she is still a top talent in the making. There is quite the difference between these two in the rankings as well so it would be a surprise if Gorgodze was to overturn Tauson here. I think the Dane might just outclass her opponent despite rocky form on clay.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
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Leylah Fernandez vs Anastasia Potapova
Jim: This is a first-round meeting for now, but do not be surprised to see it repeated in the latter stages of big tournaments in the years to come. Currently, neither player is in particularly impressive form, but Leylah Fernandez typically plays with more margin than the Russian. In a potentially tight and nervous contest, that could give her a decisive advantage.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Andrew: This could be one of the better matches of the day. Both young players have a lot of admire about their game. Fernandez looks like she should suit the clay with her movement but Anastasia Potapova could have the power to play through the surface. On this occasion I give the verdict to Fernandez as I think the court will suit her game more than the Russian.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
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