With 24 first-round matches on the schedule, there should be plenty of entertaining tennis on day two at the French Open. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Petra Kvitova vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Karolina Pliskova vs Sloane Stephens, Linda Fruhvirtova vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Caroline Garcia vs Wang Xiyu and Jelena Ostapenko vs Tereza Martincova. But who will reach the second round?
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Belinda Bencic vs Elena Avanyesan
Yesh: Bencic has never quite become the world-beater she’s been capable of, but she usually excels at avoiding bad losses early in Majors. The same applies here.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Jack: Belinda Bencic had to take some time away during the clay season to allow a hip injury to heal. Before then, she was undoubtedly one of the dominating forces on the tour. Even on her least favourite surface, assuming Bencic is back to 100%, it’s difficult to see Elina Avanesyan pulling off the upset here.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Jakub: Some question marks around Bencic as she hasn’t played since the Charleston final but lucky loser Avanesyan is one of the weaker players in the draw. Good opportunity for the Swiss to play herself into form.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
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Veronika Kudermetova vs Anna-Karolina Schmiedlova
Yesh: This match should be later in the tournament. It’s quite an unfortunate draw for both, as each of these women could go deep at any tournament. Kudermetova looks to be approaching her best again, so I’ll give her the tiniest of edges.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Jack: This is a kind first round for Veronika Kudermetova. Anna Karolina Schmiedlova avoided qualifying by the skin of her teeth so hasn’t had a chance to warm up in these conditions whilst Kudermetova has been tearing up the tour in Madrid and Rome. The Russian should be considered the heavy favourite.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Jakub: Schmiedlova is a solid clay courter but with Kudermetova coming off semifinals at both Madrid and Rome, it is tough to imagine how the Slovak will trouble her. Kudermetova is defending the quarterfinals and I believe she will take this first step successfully.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
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Aliona Bolsova vs Katerina Kucova
Yesh: Injuries have tanked Kucova’s ranking, and she just hasn’t been able to find any form this season. If she was anywhere near her best she’d be favored here, but she just doesn’t have it right now.
Prediction: Bolsova in 2
Jack: Kristina Kucova’s inclusion in the main draw is fairly bizarre. She’s currently ranked #443 in the world and has won only two clay court matches over the course of the last 52 weeks. Aliona Bolsova has been given a second chance as a lucky loser—she will be very keen to take advantage of what should be considered a kind draw.
Prediction: Bolsova in 2
Jakub: Bolsova has really lucked out here, getting back into the draw as a lucky loser after being ousted by Tamara Zidansek, and landing in one of the best spots. Kucova is in with a special ranking and has struggled to string wins together this year.
Prediction: Bolsova in 2
Madison Keys vs Kaia Kanepi
Yesh: Kaia Kanepi is a giant-killer at Majors. Keys is the better player, but never pick against Kanepi when she has a shot at an upset. It’s just magic.
Prediction: Kanepi in 3
Jack: It’s difficult to count the queen of upsets, Kaia Kanepi, out of any match at a Grand Slam. Unfortunately her form has been way too unreliable recently, losing to the world #318 in Madrid. Madison Keys will be a little tamer in slower conditions—perhaps enough to give Kanepi a few chances—but she should find a way through.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Jakub: Keys has been a decent performer at Roland Garros over the past five years outside of the unusual 2020 edition. The American played just one red clay event leading up, going a set up on eventual finalist Anhelina Kalinina in Rome. Kanepi earned a reputation as a slam upset machine in recent years but with a 5-12 record in 2023 so far, this may be a season too far for the 37-year-old.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
