The first round of the French Open women’s singles continues on Monday, Day 2 of the event. There are 24 matches scheduled for the day, and–as always–we here at LastWordOnTennis will share our thoughts on all of them. We split the day’s matches between six articles. In addition to this article, our other five feature Coco Gauff vs Julia Adveeda, Iga Swiatek vs Leolia Jeanjean, Danielle Collins vs Caroline Dolehide, Elina Svitolina vs Karolina Pliskova, and Maria Sakkari vs Varvara Gracheva. Predicting these matches are Jim Smith, Jordan Reynolds, and Glenys Furness.
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Leylah Fernandez vs Jessika Ponchet
Jim:
Leylah Fernandez struggles to consistently produce her best tennis, though at 21 she is still very much in the early stages of her career. The Canadian will need to make sure she is switched on from the start here against Jessika Ponchet, but if she is then expect Fernandez to have enough.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Jordan:
Aside from one quarterfinal run in Qatar in February, 2024 has been disappointing so far for Fernandez. Ponchet presents a unique challenge, with her short swings and rushes to the net being a real throwback to earlier eras of the sport. Despite her difficulties, clay should be the best surface for Fernandez to deal with the Frenchwoman’s distinctive style.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Glenys:
Fernandez is the #31 seed here, and she hasn’t had much success on the clay so far this season. Ponchet has made a semifinal and a quarter final on the lower tiers in recent weeks, so is handy on clay. The French Open, though, as a Grand Slam, brings different pressures. Ponchet beat Fernandez the last time they met, back in 2017. It won’t happen this time.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Bianca Andreescu vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Jim:
It will be interesting to see what sort of level Bianca Andreescu can find in this match. Sara Sorribes Tormo is the sort of player who will take the racquet out of an opponent’s hands, but she is very good at grinding them down. Given this is set to be Andreescu’s first match since last August, it would be no surprise if Sorribes Tormo ends up proving a challenge too far.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Jordan:
It is great to finally have Andreescu back after so long out with an injury. Playing one of the best women’s players at extending the rallies probably is not the ideal draw for the former Grand Slam champion. She is unlikely to win, with getting through the match without any physical issues the biggest priority.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 2
Glenys:
Andreescu as a Grand Slam champion (US Open 2019) is well used to the atmosphere here in Paris. Sorribes Tormo has had a fairly good build up here, with a quarterfinal finish in Morocco. Andreescu ranking has dropped quite a lot, but she does actually lead the head-to-head with the Spaniard.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Bernarda Pera vs Nao Hibino
Jim:
This match could probably go either way. Neither has been in particularly impressive form so far during the clay-court swing and both will likely not be too sorry to start playing on the grass in the coming weeks. But Pera has at least won a handful of matches, including last time out in Rome.
Prediction: Pera in 3
Jordan:
Pera is more naturally comfortable on clay than her Japanese opponent. Hibino does not enjoy facing high-bouncing balls, which will make Pera’s topspin forehand a challenge for her. The American to progress.
Prediction: Pera in 2
Glenys:
Pera made the semifinal in Portugal as a build up to the French Open. Whereas Hibino has struggled on form. The Grand Slam brings out the best tennis in people, and this match will be no different.
Prediction: Pera in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Sachia Vickery
Jim:
Ons Jabeur is at her very best on faster surfaces than the Parisian clay, but she can still play on the stuff. Sachia Vickery, who has had some injury problems of late, has rather less experience of the clay and it would be a surprise if she were to cause Jabeur many problems.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Jordan:
Jabeur’s struggles this year mean no result is a guarantee. She has also been particularly vulnerable against players who are adept at extending the rallies, which is the cornerstone of Vickery’s game. The three-time Grand Slam runner-up will have too much class if she is anywhere near her best. Whether she can produce that is more uncertain.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Glenys:
Vickery defeated Jabeur the last time they met. However, this was back in 2018 when Vickery was seeded and Jabeur wasn’t. It was a three set match and went the distance. Jabeur now has improved so much. The Tunisian is now seeded here with Vickery unseeded. Jabeur shouldn’t have any issues here.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
