We wrap up the first round of the women’s singles on Day 3 of the French Open. 20 matches are scheduled, and–as always–we here at LastWordOnTennis will share our thoughts on all of them with you. We split the day’s matches between five articles. In addition to this one, the other four feature Victoria Azarenka vs Nadia Podoroska, Elena Rybakina vs Greet Minnen, Madison Keys vs Renata Zarazua, and Aryna Sabalenka vs Erika Andreeva. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Manuel Traquete, and Yesh Ginsburg.
French Open Day 3 Predictions
Elina Avanesyan vs Lin Zhu
Jordan:
Zhu never looks comfortable moving on clay, which can be seen by her inferior record in it compared to other surfaces. By contrast, Avanesyan has been most comfortable on the dirt throughout her career. Zhu will try and hit her way out of trouble but that is unlikely to work against a quick mover like Avanesyan.
Prediction: Avanesyan in 2
Manuel:
While Zhu is the higher-ranked player of the two here, on clay Avanesyan should have the edge. In fact, Zhu has lost all four matches she has played in this clay season thus far and that doesn’t seem likely to change here.
Prediction: Avanesyan in 2
Yesh:
Avanesyan is in a bit of a slump right now, but she’s much better than Zhu on clay. That will probably be enough.
Prediction: Avanesyan in 2
Ashlyn Krueger vs Tamara Korpatsch
Jordan:
There is a clash of styles here between Krueger’s conventional power game and Korpatsch’s crafty and awkward style of play. This could be tight in parts but I trust Krueger’s game slightly more. Many of Korpatsch’s shots will sit up for her opponent on clay and I do not think the German’s movement is quite good enough to live with that over three sets.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Manuel:
Korpatsch has only played one match on clay so far this season and she lost it. While Krueger isn’t in great shape herself, she has far more match play on this surface and should be able to win here.
Prediction: Krueger in 2
Yesh:
I am not generally a fan of what Krueger brings on a clay court. It’s sometimes effective, but nowhere near often enough. I expect Korpatsch to take advantage and draw out enough errors to win.
Prediction: Korpatsch in 3
Sorana Cirstea vs Anna Blinkova
Jordan:
Blinkova has struggled during the clay-court season. Her only win so far was against Diane Parry, who still seemed to be struggling with an injury in that match. Cirstea’s results have been mixed, but she is the favorite to progress in Paris. Her aggressive style is not one that Blinkova has dealt with well in recent months since her thrilling win against Elena Rybakina at the Australian Open.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Manuel:
Both players have struggled a lot in this clay season, but Cirstea is generally the higher-level player, she is the more solid of the two and she should be able to pull through here.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Yesh:
I’ve been expecting big things from Cirstea ever since she took out Jelena Jankovic at this tournament over a decade ago. Those big things are probably never coming, but she’s a solid player in her own right and should be good for a round or two here.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Qinwen Zheng vs Alize Cornet
Jordan:
There will be a lot of emotion as Cornet plays what could be her final ever professional match. Hopefully, it is competitive, but there is a chance it will not be. The Frenchwoman’s gritty style is unlikely to cause Zheng many problems due to her reduced athleticism compared to the past.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Manuel:
At 34, Cornet is very far from her best days, while Zheng is pretty much in the best moment of her career, ranked #8 after reaching the final at the Australian Open. While she is unlikely to repeat such a run here in Paris, she should definitely win this first round.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Yesh:
As much as it would be nice for Cornet to end her career with a win at her home Slam, the game just isn’t there anymore, and Zheng is a rising star. Maybe the crowd keeps things close, but don’t expect it.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
