the 2025 French Open Day 1 delivers a compelling mix of seasoned contenders and emerging talents. Donna Vekić faces Anna Blinkova in a battle of experienced players. Olga Danilović takes on Leylah Fernandez in a clash of aggressive baseliners. The spotlight match features Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng against 2021 Roland Garros finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Court Philippe Chatrier, promising a high-stakes showdown to cap off the day’s action. We have predictions for every day 1 match.
Qinwen Zheng vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Steen Kirby: 13-8 on the season, Zheng upset Sabalenka in Rome and previously won a Gold medal at this venue in the Paris Olympics. Zheng has two previous WTA titles on clay and will be looking to advance deeper into the second week, as a top 10 player. Pavs is 6-7 on the season, but was a finalist here in 2021 where she lost the biggest match of her career in three sets. A former top 20 player, Pavlyuchenkova is now ranked just outside of the top 50. This should be a battle, and the only h2h result favors Pavs, but form favors Zheng. Zheng in 3
Jordan Reynolds: Pavlyuchenkova’s most notable career moment was finishing as the 2021 runner-up at Roland Garros. I doubt those memories will inspire her to an unexpected win against Zheng. To me, Olympic gold medalist’s chances in Paris has been written off too easily. She could challenge for the title. Zheng in 2
Donna Vekić vs. Anna Blinkova
Steen: Blinkova leads the h2h 1-0, 12-13 on the season, Blinkova has never been a late round contender at the French Open. Vekic is a top 20 player but has been pedestrian this season and is also lacking the Roland Garros or clay court pedigree. Neither player is expected to reach the final stages of the tournament. Vekic has more upside to her game in this matchup though. Vekic in 3
Jordan: Vekic lost last year’s Olympic gold medal match at Roland Garros to Zheng. Although a bitter pill to swallow, it was an incredible moment, especially since clay had been her weakest surface by far until that moment. The Croatian has been inconsistent this season, and this could be a competitive match. I still think Vekic’s powerful hitting will be good enough in the end. Vekic in 3
Nina Stojanović vs. Amanda Anisimova
Steen: Stojanovic is a heavy underdog in this one, the qualifier has just two match wins at tour level this season but has been a solid ITF player. 16-10 on the season, Anisimova would love to return to the semifinals of the French Open. Her clay court resume isn’t quite as advanced, but she should have enough in her game to start her tournament with a routine win. Anisimova in 2
Jordan: Anisimova memorably reached the 2019 French Open semifinal as a 17-year-old. The big-hitting American has not enjoyed a good clay court swing so far, though. She might have been vulnerable to an upset with a worse draw, but I doubt qualifier Stojanovic can handle the pace of Anisimova’s groundstrokes. Anisimova in 2
Olga Danilović vs. Leylah Fernandez
Steen: Fernandez leads the h2h, at just 10-12 on the season, it’s been a frustrating one for the Canadian. Fernandez is a former quarterfinalist at the French Open but does not take well to the clay. 15-8 on the season, Danilovic is at a career high ranking and reached the final in Rouen on clay. Both surface and form favors Danilovic to get the win. Danilovic in 2
Jordan: This battle of the lefties is one of my favorite matches in the draw. Fernandez has not been in great form lately, and facing Danilovic on her favorite surface promises to be tough. Expect many entertaining rallies, but I give Danilovic the edge. Danilovic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
