Day 2 of women’s singles at the French Open will see 24 first-round matches as the world’s best try to advance at the second Major of the year. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on every single match. We split the day’s matches between six articles. The other five feature Iga Swiatek vs Emerson Jones, Elina Svitolina vs Anna Bondar, Amanda Anisimova vs Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah, Elena Rybakina vs Veronika Erjavec, and Jasmine Paolini vs Dayana Yastremska. Predicting these matches are Zain Mustafa, Ilemona Onekutu, and Jordan Reynolds. Who do you think will win?
French Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Julia Grabher vs Rebecca Sramkova
Zain:
Both these players, ranked outside of the Top 100, are fortunate to avoid any big names in the opening round. As such, they should be playing this match with house money, having little if anything to lose. I think that style of match should slightly favour Rebecca Sramkova’s flatter hitting more.
Prediction: Sramkova in 3
Ilemona:
Julia Grabher has solid clay pedigree and knows how to grind out wins. Rebecca Sramkova hits cleanly but can struggle when matches get physical. Grabher’s experience on the surface gives her the advantage in longer exchanges.
Prediction: Grabher in 3
Jordan:
I doubt this match will be among the most memorable of the day. Both women scrap well without being particularly entertaining. Sramkova does it better at her best, and she is backed for that reason.
Prediction: Sramkova in 2
Tatjana Maria vs Elise Mertens
Zain:
While Tatjana Maria has done exceptionally well to still be ranked near the Top 50 in the world, clay is not only her weakest surface but one on which she has no real weapons to lean on. Expect Elise Mertens’ baseline game to be too much for the German, and for her to cruise to a straight-sets win.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Ilemona:
Elise Mertens is steady and competitive and she showed that level in Rome, confirming she heads to Paris in real form. Maria’s slice and retrieval game can extend matches, but Mertens’ current level and net skills give her a clear advantage. Mertens should handle this without too many complications.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Jordan:
These two contrast sharply at Grand Slams. Maria has only been to the third round of a Major twice, but converted one of those into a semifinal. Mertens is also a semifinalist at this level, but has reached the third round many times. Expect the more consistent Belgian to win.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Camila Osorio
Zain:
One of the more exciting first-round clashes, this match pits Camila Osorio’s willingness to counterpunch and defend against the aggression of Ekaterina Alexandrova. In this head-to-head, Osorio has time and time again shown that she is capable of redirecting Alexandrova’s power, and on the slower clay, she should once again have enough to cause the upset here.
Prediction: Osorio in 3
Ilemona:
Ekaterina Alexandrova has a big serve and forehand that can take control quickly. Osorio fights hard from the baseline but may get overpowered on faster points. Alexandrova’s weapons should make the difference on this stage.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Jordan:
Alexandrova will try to hit through Osorio’s gritty defense. The Colombian’s best chance of prevailing is on clay. I think it will be close, but have a feeling that Osorio will fight her way into the second round.
Prediction: Osorio in 3
Leylah Fernandez vs Alycia Parks
Zain:
This match is likely to be determined by the baseline battle, as Leylah Fernandez will look to extend the rallies, luring Alycia Parks into errors. Parks has shown that when dialled in from the back of the court, she can be a tough out, but in this match, Fernandez’s rally tolerance is likely to frustrate the American enough for the Canadian to win.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Ilemona:
Leylah Fernandez has good variety and fights hard on every point, especially on clay. Parks brings power but can be inconsistent with her shot selection. Fernandez’s ability to mix things up and stay mentally strong should help her pull ahead.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Jordan:
Fernandez’s game is more suited to clay, but she does throw in some unexpectedly bad performances each season. The Canadian’s first-serve return is also her weakest shot, which presents a challenge against a powerful server like Parks. That factor might just be enough to get Parks over the line.
Prediction: Parks in 3
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
