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, Leylah Fernandez vs Alycia Parks, 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
Karolina Muchova vs Anastasia Zakharova
Zain:
Anastasia Zakharova’s rally tolerance and baseline game make her comfortable on slower clay, but this is a match-up in which Karolina Muchova will likely just have too many options from both the back of the court and the forecourt. That difference in offensive options makes Muchova, a former finalist at this tournament, the easy pick.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Ilemona:
Muchova has made the round of 16 or better at every tournament she has entered in 2026 and reached the Stuttgart final on clay. Zakharova is a qualifier with limited exposure at this level. Muchova’s variety and consistency make her a clear step up in class.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Jordan:
Muchova has only played one match during the last month since reaching the final in Stuttgart. That rust has the potential to make this match more challenging than expected. The 2023 runner-up’s greater class should still
ultimately prevail, though.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Petra Marcinko vs Eva Lys
Zain:
Petra Marcinko has, throughout the season, shown glimpses of her talent, which make her upside quite high. But she is still quite inconsistent, and although she might have a real shot at a result here against Eva Lys, whose season has been plagued by physical issues, the German’s higher floor gives her the edge to make the second round here.
Prediction: Lys in 3
Ilemona:
Both players like to grind from the baseline, but Marcinko has shown better recent results building confidence. Lys has clay experience but needs to find more aggression to match the pace. Marcinko’s steadiness could wear her down over three sets.
Prediction: Marcinko in 3
Jordan:
This could be one of the best opening round matches between two women who have a nice balance between athleticism and shotmaking. Marcinko enters this match after a terrific title success in Rabat and Lys has not been in great form lately. Yet, I am backing the German to triumph here. She often becomes inspired on bigger stages and is more likely to perform well against an opponent with a similar style.
Prediction: Lys in 3
Panna Udvardy vs Viktorija Golubic
Zain:
Both players will consider this a favourable draw as they avoided seeded players to begin their campaigns. Panna Udvardy is the better defender and will look to make this match physical, while Viktorija Golubic will look to use her court craft and one-handed backhand to outhit Udvardy. Ultimately, on a slower clay court, I think Udvardy should have the edge, ever so slightly.
Prediction: Udvardy in 3
Ilemona:
Panna Udvardy knows how to compete on clay with good movement and topspin. Golubic is crafty but often struggles against consistent baseline pressure. Udvardy’s recent form should give her the upper hand in controlling rallies.
Prediction: Udvardy in 2
Jordan:
I like the experienced Golubic’s chances here. Udvardy rarely hits through opponents, and her opponent typically plays best with time on her shots. I do not anticipate a deciding set.
Prediction: Golubic in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Anna Bondar
Zain:
Although clay is arguably Anna Bondar’s best surface on tour, Elina Svitolina has been playing like a top five player on tour so far this year, which culminated in her Rome title run coming into the French Open. Expect the Ukrainian to use her experience and just her solid floor level to start her campaign off on the right track.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Ilemona:
Svitolina won the Italian Open title to cap her preparations for the French Open, defeating Gauff in the final, and extended her clay-court final record to 8-0. Bondar is a capable opponent, but facing Svitolina right now is close to a worst-case scenario.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Jordan:
Svitolina enters this match after her outstanding triumph in Rome. She also has an earned reputation for being incredibly solid in the early rounds of Grand Slams. Bondar is a good competitor, but do not expect an upset here.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
