There should be plenty of exciting tennis for the fans to enjoy on the first day at the 2023 edition of the French Open. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all 20 matches on the slate on day one, including Magda Linette vs Leylah Fernandez, Jessica Pegula vs Danielle Collins, Aryna Sabalenka vs Marta Kostyuk and Maria Sakkari vs Karolina Muchova. But who will reach the round of 64?
French Open Day 1 Predictions
Daria Kasatkina vs Jule Niemeier
Jakub: Niemeier isn’t coming in with much form but we have seen her show up for big matches at slams before. Kasatkina made the fourth round in both Madrid and Rome and on clay, should be able to win out unless Niemeier hits her off the court.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Damian: Niemeier is known for peaking at the Slams, although it will likely be toughest for her at the French. Her big game gets kinda neutralized by the surface here and even with the power advantage, Kasatkina shouldn’t struggle here. Once she’s in control of the point, she’ll use her wide skillset to keep Niemeier uncomfortable.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Jack: It’s easy to get enamoured by the raw power of Niemeier’s game but there is vulnerability behind her huge shots. Her serve is nothing close to a strength yet—for all of Kasatkina’s recent struggles with form, a battle from the baseline should see her consistently come out on top in conditions that suit her to a tee.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
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Nuria Parrizas Diaz vs Storm Hunter
Jakub: Parrizas-Diaz retired in her last match in Rabat last week and with Hunter storming into the main draw without dropping a set, the Australian has a prime opportunity to keep this run going.
Prediction: Hunter in 2
Damian: Hunter did surprisingly well in the qualifying, which was her first red clay event of the year. Parrizas Diaz would normally be a pretty significant favourite here, but she just retired in the first round in Rabat. If the Spaniard can get herself back in shape, this is a very nice draw for her.
Prediction: Parrizas Diaz in 3
Jack: Hunter has seriously impressed with her run through qualifying. She returns serve with aplomb and the conditions here suit that game style. She has the power to make this competitive—unfortunately Parrizas Diaz is just a step too far in terms of clay-court pedigree for Hunter to actually notch the win.
Prediction: Parrizas Diaz in 3
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Alize Cornet vs Camila Giorgi
Jakub: Eighth meeting between these two veterans of the tour. Giorgi has found more success in 2023, winning the title in Merida and coming off a third round in Rome. The Italian has won five of their seven matches, including their only previous one on clay at Strasbourg 2014. Cornet won’t make it easy for her but I see Giorgi winning out.
Prediction: Giorgi in 3
Damian: It’s been over nine years since they first played, so this is definitely a bit of a throwback. On clay, Giorgi won their only meeting, but it was a long time ago. You never know what to expect from the hyper-aggressive Italian and Cornet is actually one of the players who can use the support of the crowd to her benefit even more than others.
Prediction: Cornet in 3
Jack: Neither player will love the speed of the courts at Roland Garros. Cornet’s usual dark horse aura at the Slams has been weakened by a very poor run of form, however. Any signs of hesitancy and Giorgi should be able to get on the front foot.
Prediction: Giorgi in 3
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Zheng Qinwen vs Tamara Zidansek
Jakub: Zheng found her groove on clay, reaching the quarterfinals without a particularly impressive win but going a set up on Veronika Kudermetova. Zheng’s breakout run last year came at Roland Garros, beating Simona Halep and going a set up on eventual champion Iga Swiatek. Zidansek, 2021 semifinalist who had to come through qualifying, will be a good test for Zheng but one I believe she will overcome.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Damian: Brutal draw for the 2021 Roland Garros semifinalist, who followed it up with a third round in 2022 and now qualified for the event. Zheng should be extremely dangerous in this event too and will probably find a way to prevail, but this is certainly an opener where she needs to be focused from the get-go.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Jack: Zheng hasn’t quite had that result to put her well and truly on the map. Could this be her chance? Tamara Zidansek would usually be considered a dangerous first round floater but I have confidence Zheng’s game is reliable enough to get through this one unscathed.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
