We wrap up the first round of the French Open on Day 3 on Tuesday. The women will delight tennis fans in Paris and worldwide with 20 matches. As always, we’re here to predict all of them for you. This article looks at four matches, so we have four more articles to go with it. One features Ashleigh Barty vs Bernarda Pera, the next headlines Coco Gauff vs Aleksandra Krunic, one highlights Karolina Pliskova vs Donna Vekic, and the fourth features Ons Jabeur vs Yulia Putintseva. Predicting this set of French Open Day 3 matches are Eric Han, Fraser Learmounth, and Andrew Watson.
French Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Qiang Wang vs Su-wei Hsieh
Fraser:
This could be an intriguing battle. Hsieh has the awkwardness and variety to trouble anyone on any surface and is in good form after a great showing in Australia. She has done little since then though and might be caught napping by Wang who is quickly finding form on the tour after a quite 2020. I think Hsieh has enough to get through, but it will be tight.
Prediction: Hsieh in 3
Andrew:
Very difficult match to call. Hsieh produced an excellent run in Australia but since then has displayed very moderate form. Wang reached a recent WTA final but is usually poor on clay. The only previous meeting between the two on the dirt was a tight three setter and I would expect similar here. I am going to favour the recent form of Wang to make the difference.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Eric:
Wang reached the final in Parma last week before losing to Coco Gauff, so she should be confident with her game on clay. However, Hsieh has proven to be a tricky customer for most, if not all, players, so expect an entertaining match. But Wang should be able to pull through.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Jasmine Paolini vs Stefanie Voegele
Fraser:
These two should be quite evenly matched on paper. However, Paolini is more comfortable on clay than Voegele is. She also moves better which is important on this surface. This is a great opportunity for both so I imagine it will be well contested. Nonetheless, the Italian should have enough to come through when all is said and done.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Andrew:
A match between two fairly experienced campaigners but both have losing records in the last twelve months. They met on clay last year and produced a three set match, and Paolini came out on top. Voegele has qualified here so she may be slightly sharper but I think Paolini’s counter punching style will be suited to conditions and see her through.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Eric:
Qualifiers always have a slight advantage in the first round of a Major. They have played three matches already so are confident with where their game is. Voegele, coming through qualifying, will have this advantage and could be prove to be decisive in this match up.
Prediction: Voegele in 3
Magda Linette vs Chloe Paquet
Fraser:
Linette is undoubtedly the more accomplished player in this match. However, she is less than stellar on clay and there is a lot to be said for playing in front of your home crowd as Paquet will be. Nonetheless, quality matters and Linetter has more of it. My rule is to back the player who should dictate the match and that is the Pole in this case.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Andrew:
Linette should win this one against the French wild card. The last time they played it went three sets but the last two were 6-1 6-2 in the Pole’s favor. This suggests that she managed to work out Paquet’s game and got on top of it.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Eric:
Linette is coming in with good form–reaching the semifinal of Strasbourg last week, but has been up and down with results all year. I have a feeling there is a potential upset here, as Paquet can seize the opportunity with the crowd behind her and get through.
Prediction: Paquet in 3
Venus Williams vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Fraser:
These two are at very different stages in their respective careers. Alexandrova is a rising star on the tour while Williams is about to call it quits on an amazing career. neither are particularly comfortable on clay, but Alexandrova has shown signs of life on the surface this year. She is younger and probably more prepared for the physical battle the red dirt requires. The Russian should advance here.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Andrew:
Tough assignment for both players here. Williams just continues to turn up and put in good performances at Grand Slams but Alexandrova should be strongly favored here to progress. Williams has lost seven in a row on clay stretching back to Rome in 2019.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Eric:
Williams has struggled with form this year and is currently on a five-match losing streak. Clay is not her favorite surface and has been dumped out of the French Open in the opening round for the past three years. Expect a similar result.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
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