The first round of both the men’s and women’s singles will conclude on Day of the French Open. We’ll be treated to 20 women’s matches on Tuesday, and–as always–our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts on all of the matches with you. We split the matches between five articles, with the other four articles featuring Coco Gauff vs Olivia Gadecki, Mirra Andreeva vs Cristina Bucsa, Jessica Pegula vs Anca Todoni, and Sofia Kenin vs Varvara Gracheva. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will reach Round 2?
French Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Magdalena Frech vs Ons Jabeur
Jordan:
Jabeur’s best level on clay is much better than Frech’s. Whether the Tunisian can find her dazzling best is uncertain after a challenging time since losing the 2023 Wimbledon final. I favor her to do enough to beat Frech, especially since the Pole is much more comfortable in hard courts.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Damian:
Jabeur had such an electric start to the season, but now she’s won one match since the middle of February. While natural surfaces are her kingdom and she usually wakes up for the French Open (back-to-back quarterfinals last two years), we wouldn’t be surprised if Frech managed to grind her down. Tough call.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Ilemona:
Jabeur’s creative brilliance meets Frech’s steady baseline game. While Frech has shown consistency this season, three-time Major finalist Jabeur’s class and clay prowess should prevail.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Anna Kalinskaya vs Marie Bouzkova
Jordan:
Kalinskaya will need to work hard against the gritty Bouzkova. The 30th seed has improved on clay this season, beating Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula. Her powerful hittting is backed to wear down Bouzkova.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 2
Damian:
Last week in Strasbourg ended with a retirement/withdrawal from each player, so the situation kind of evens out? Kalinskaya’s quality hasn’t dipped that much compared to last year, but she hasn’t produced the deadly wins and her aggression isn’t as threatening on clay. If all’s normal, Bouzkova probably prevails most of the time on this surface.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Ilemona:
A battle of consistency as Kalinskaya’s aggressive baseline game meets Bouzková’s relentless defense. Both players have struggled with injuries recently, but Bouzkova’s ability to grind on clay coupled with a 2-1 H2H advantage could tip the scales in her favor. Her superior fitness and clay-court resilience could wear down the higher-ranked Kalinskaya in what promises to be a physical battle.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Hailey Baptiste
Jordan:
Haddad Maia was on a terrible run before last week’s event in Strasbourg, but reaching the semifinal there felt like a turning point. She is more naturally suited to clay than Baptiste. The American probably needs an excellent performance to have a chance.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Damian:
Haddad Maia’s start to the year was pretty tragic and the 6-15 record still doesn’t look great, but making the semifinals in Strasbourg last week ought to give her much-needed confidence. She’s still not somebody who reliably beats everybody ranked lower than her and will probably take some time here vs Baptiste. Ultimately, you’d expect her to prevail.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Ilemona:
Haddad Maia’s clay prowess makes her the favorite, but qualifier Baptiste’s explosive game could cause problems. Expect the Brazilian’s experience to prevail in a tricky opener.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Yanina Wickmayer
Jordan:
Azarenka has not had many notable results on clay in recent years. Wixkmayer might push the two-time Australian Open champion closer than she would have in the past. I am not confident enough to back the Belgian to win though.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Damian:
Wickmayer will be retiring after Wimbledon and while we haven’t heard any announcements like that from Azarenka, this season is making us think it might come sooner than later. Either way, the Belgian won just one match this season in an ITF event in January and doesn’t have the rhythm that the other veteran has built up (even despite losing a lot).
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Ilemona:
Azarenka faces Wickmayer in the Belgian’s comeback season. Despite Wickmayer’s fighting return, Azarenka’s elite level and 2-0 H2H record make this a routine opener. Expect Azarenka’s trademark intensity to overwhelm Wickmayer’s still-rebuilding game.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
