The ATP and WTA draws have been completed for the 2024 French Open. There are several interesting first round WTA matches for fans to enjoy. Tw0-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will face a qualifier or lucky loser, while 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina is set to meet Greet Minnen. But five opening round WTA contests stand out the most in the French Open draw. This article names and describes those fascinating matchups.
The Five Best WTA First Round Matches At The French Open
Paula Badosa vs Katie Boulter
This match should be an exciting watch between two very powerful players. Badosa has struggled since last year with injuries, but the 2021 French Open quarterfinalist found some form at her last event in Rome, where she defeated Mirra Andreeva, Emma Navarro and Diana Shnaider. Interestingly, this is set to be Boulter’s first appearance at the French Open. Previous injury issues for the Briton led to her skipping clay-court tournaments in the past.
Although Badosa is the more seasoned clay-court player, Boulter’s overall game has greatly improved in recent months. Both players also possess two of the best and most devastating forehands in the women’s game. That should keep fans on the edge of their seats throughout.
Sloane Stephens vs Yulia Putintseva
A blockbuster opening round matchup awaits between 2018 French Open runner-up Stephens and two-time quarterfinalist at Roland-Garros Putintseva. They also met in the third round last year in Paris, which Stephens won 6-3 3-6 6-2. But Putintseva defeated the American very comfortably just two weeks ago at the Italian Open in their last meeting. Stephens started the clay-court season very strongly with seven consecutive victories, including claiming the title in Rouen. Unfortunately, she has since lost four matches in a row.
There will be many long rallies in this match between two of the best athletes on the WTA Tour. Stephens has not lost in the first round at the French Open since her debut at the event in 2011, but this is a major test of that record. The winner plays either Badosa or Boulter in the next round.
Qinwen Zheng vs Alize Cornet
Cornet may have hoped for an easier draw in her final ever tournament before retirement. This year’s Australian Open runner-up is certainly not that. However, it could also be tricky for Zheng, who will have to deal with a loud and passionate French Open crowd trying to help Cornet as much as possible. Although the Frenchwoman is not as quick as she used to be, she will still put a lot of balls into play and make Zheng work hard to win points.
Regardless of the result, hopefully Cornet puts in a strong performance in front of her home fans. She deserves to leave the sport on a high note after everything she has done for tennis.
Elina Svitolina vs Karolina Pliskova
Pliskova is a former semifinalist at the French Open, while Svitolina has been to the quarterfinal on four occasions. The Ukrainian’s level on the dirt has been better heading into the event, including losing an epic match in the Round of 16 at the Italian Open to Aryna Sabalenka. Pliskova has only played three matches on clay this year, winning just one of them.
Although Svitolina is a more aggressive player now than earlier in her career, there is still a clash of styles between her and the big serving and hitting Pliskova. It will be fascinating to observe whether Svitolina can absorb the Czech’s pressure and use her superior athleticism to her advantage. Pliskova leads the head-to-head 5-4, showing how close this match promises to be.
Naomi Osaka vs Lucia Bronzetti
Clay is not four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka’s favourite surface. Yet, she has produced some very good tennis on the surface recently. Victories in Rome against Marta Kostyuk and Daria Kasatkina demonstrate that. Her first match at the French Open against Bronzetti could be terrific viewing. The Italian is very inconsistent, but at her best, she strikes the ball imposingly and is a danger to anyone. If both players find their range, the fans in Paris will be treated to winners all over the court from these two powerful hitters.
Also, Osaka is very likely to play the defending champion Iga Swiatek if she wins. That matchup will grip the tennis world if it happens.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
