It should be an entertaining second day at the French Open with a number of star players set to take to the courts. 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, Madison Keys vs Kaia Kanepi, Caroline Garcia vs Wang Xiyu and Jelena Ostapenko vs Tereza Martincova. But who will reach the second round?
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Martina Trevisan
Andreas: Svitolina is back, and with a flourish. The Ukrainian won the tune-up event in Strasbourg last week, contributing to her incredible 17-3 record in finals. However, grand slams have traditionally been her problem, and she happens to be going up against a defending semifinalist. Trevisan is dealing with some injury scares from Rabat, and has a lot of pressure on her shoulders defending many points. This match could go either way.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Damian: Svitolina’s comeback has suddenly sped up so much with the final in Strasbourg, although her level fluctuated quite a lot depending on the round. While Trevisan made the semifinals last year, she was injured in Rabat and generally doesn’t strike you as a player who would be on the verge of repeating a run like that.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Yesh: Svitolina was getting nowhere in her comeback from a pregnancy break, and then last week happened. Aided by a favorable draw and a walkover, she waltzed to the title in the Strasbourg tune-up last week. As long as she’s not fatigued from the short turnaround, her confidence should carry her far this fortnight.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
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Tatjana Maria vs Beatriz Haddad Maria
Andreas: Haddad Maia was one of the breakout stars of 2022, while Maria was arguably the biggest comeback star from 2022. Look for Haddad Maia to break down Maria’s slices and dropshots with her big forehand and win comfortably. Maria’s game translates far better to grass courts.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Damian: Haddad Maia still hasn’t been past the second round as a Slam, which is kinda shocking with her ranking and the many big results in other events. This looks like a good opportunity to at least give herself another shot. Maria’s slice-and-dice game isn’t as dangerous on slow clay.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Yesh: Maria has been on-and-off recently. When she’s on, she can do amazing things––like reaching the Wimbledon semifinals last year. Meanwhile, Beatriz Haddad Maia has been amazing basically everywhere except the Majors for over a year now. Will that change this French Open? I don’t know.
Prediction: Maria in 3Embed from Getty Images
Alycia Parks vs Marketa Vondrousova
Andreas: This should be an exciting match of complete contrasts. Vondrousova, a finalist here in 2019, utilizes a crafty lefty game that works well on the clay. Her opponent’s style is frankly the opposite. Parks will have to be firing on all cylinders with her serve to keep her in this one. The Czech’s consistency should prevail in this one.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Damian: Vondrousova must be among the best unseeded players in the draw and she’s still heavily under-ranked due to her injury last year. The former Roland Garros finalist should have an easy enough start here. Despite all her weaponry, Parks just hasn’t been able to produce her best level on the WTA Tour yet in non-indoor conditions.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Yesh: Parks is rising quickly, though with a few starts and stops. Being able to beat Vondrousova would be a huge step for the young American. Is she ready? I’ll say no, but don’t be surprised if it happens.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Linda Fruhvirtova vs Anastasia Pavyluchenkova
Andreas: It’s easy to forget that Pavluchenkova made the final of the 2021 French Open, reaching a career high ranking in the process. Her comeback from injury has been admirable, yet this should be a tough challenge for her against the rising star Fruhvirtova. Only 18 years old, Fruhvirtova is looking to make a big run at a major for the first time.
Prediction: Fruhvirtova in 3
Damian: Fruhvirtova was great for her age two years ago, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen any development. This actually looks like a good opportunity for Pavlyuchenkova, who has the powerful ball-striking to keep her on the back foot and has been improving week by week.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Yesh: Pavlyuchenkova had the career breakthrough ten years in the making at the 2021 French Open, and injuries have been devastating ever since. When she’s back, maybe she can reach the top again. But she’s not fully back yet. Then again, Fruhvirtova’s current form is quite off, so the Russian should have a good chance here.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Main photo: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
