With 20 intriguing first-round matches on the schedule, expect plenty of entertaining action on day one at the French Open. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Kristina Mladenovic vs Leylah Fernandez, Clara Burel vs Maria Sakkari, Kaia Kanepi vs Garbine Muguruza and Bernarda Pera vs Jil Teichmann. But who will reach the second round?
French Open Day 1 Predictions
Ons Jabeur vs Magda Linette
Jim: Ons Jabeur was not able to make it two titles in as many outings in Rome, losing to Iga Swiatek in the final in straight sets. But her run to the title in Madrid demonstrated that she is a force to be reckoned with on the clay and she should have far too much for Magda Linette.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Jakub: Jabeur comes into the French Open as one of the biggest favorites after winning Madrid and reaching the final of Rome. Linette should not be too difficult of an opening opponent for the Tunisian in her current form. Jabeur has won all three of their full previous meetings and was even leading in Linette’s only win before retiring a set and a break up. Something truly special would have to happen for the Pole to advance here.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Damian: After a couple of weaker performances at ITF 125K events, Linette had a very solid run in Strasbourg this week. It should help her confidence, but it’s going be extremely hard for her to battle against the second-best player of this clay season, also someone with so much more variety and creativity than herself.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
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Mirjam Bjorklund vs Donna Vekic
Jim: Donna Vekic has not had an easy time of it recently and, after a battling run through the qualifying, she faces a potentially tough test up against fellow qualifier Mirjam Bjorklund. The Swede excelled in the qualifying draw, dropping only a handful of games as she secured her place in the main draw. She may not be able to match Vekic’s experience, but if she can maintain the level she showed in the qualifying, expect her to get the better of the Croatian.
Prediction: Bjorklund in 3
Jakub: A match-up of two qualifiers with Vekic being the much more known quantity with slam experience while Bjorklund makes her slam main draw debut. The Swede was dominant in qualifying though, not dropping a set against Andrea Lazaro Garcia, Lizette Cabrera or Mihaela Buzarnescu. Vekic struggled in some matches, particularly against Louisa Chirico. I still see the former world #19 winning but it may not be as straightforward as some may think.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Damian: Seeing Vekic as a qualifier is still a bit weird, but the Croatian should be making her way back up the rankings soon. Bjorklund was just clinical in her own qualifying campaign though and seems to be performing at a much steadier level right now.
Prediction: Bjorklund in 3
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Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Cristina Bucsa
Jim: Cristina Bucsa impressed in coming through the qualifying with wins over Olga Govortsova, Arina Rodionova and Laura Siegemund, dropping just one set in the process. Her reward is a winnable match against Beatriz Haddad Maia. But the Brazilian has been in fine form in her own right, winning a WTA 125K title in Saint-Malo before reaching another final at that level in Paris. Expect her to have the edge.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Jakub: Haddad Maia has come back stronger than ever from her doping suspension with an impressive record of 128-38 since September 2020, a 77% win percentage. This year, the Brazilian won her first WTA 125k title, following it up with another 125k final the next week, and entered the Top 50. Bucsa was out of form going into qualifying, losing four out of her last five matches. The Spaniard surprised us with good performances, particularly impressive in her comeback win against Laura Siegemund. Haddad Maia has never won a main draw match at the French Open before but I expect her to break the streak here.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Damian: Haddad Maia is probably in the form of her life now, consistently making impact at tour-level. The Brazilian reached back-to-back finals at 125K events in Paris and Saint-Malo and should maintain her strong form here.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
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Katerina Siniakova vs Petra Martic
Jim: This feels like a match that could go either way. But Petra Martic has the advantage in terms of match sharpness and a better record at Roland Garros, having reached the quarterfinals in 2019. At her best, Katerina Siniakova would surely be good enough to win this match, but having not played since the Madrid Open, it seems unlikely that she will be able to find her best tennis.
Prediction: Martic in 2
Jakub: It is tough to know what to expect from Siniakova as she has struggled with injuries this season and has not played since retiring from a match in Madrid three weeks ago. Martic had a good clay season with an 8-3 record including a win over Anett Kontaveit. The Croat has previously had good results in Paris and with question marks around her opponent, I have to predict her victory here.
Prediction: Martic in 2
Damian: 2022 has been full of injuries for Siniakova, who retired in both her last events – Miami and Madrid. Meanwhile, Madrid and Rome were Martic’s best events in a while. She’s healthy and in better match rhythm.
Prediction: Martic in 2
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