The first round of the French Open concludes on Day 3 as 20 more women’s matches take the grounds of Roland Garros. Among them, tournament-favorite Aryna Sabalenka gets her campaign underway against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Nurein Ahmed, Zain Mustafa, and Yesh Ginsburg offer their insights. But who will advance?
French Open Women’s Day 3 Predictions
Ashlyn Krueger vs Antonia Ruzic
Nurein
Krueger’s form has been inconsistent, but her attacking style of tennis gives her the edge in this matchup. Ruzic has struggled badly on clay recently and lacks confidence coming into Paris. I think if the American has a great serving performance, she should be in a position to win this match.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Zain
Antonia Ruzic’s aggressive ball striking can pose a threat on clay, especially against an opponent who has lost four of her previous five matches. But Ashlyn Krueger still is the more reliable baseliner in this match, and if she serves well, she can very well get a confidence-boosting win at the French Open.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Yesh
This should be a pretty good match between two decent journeywomen. Neither will be a threat in later rounds, but both should relish the opportunity for a challenging yet winnable Grand Slam match.
Prediction: Ruzic in 3
Ann Li vs Zhang Shuai
Nurein
Li enters with stronger recent form and already beat Zhang recently at the Italian Open. Her movement and consistency on clay have improved considerably, while Zhang struggles more physically in long rallies now. This could be another three setter like the one they played in Rome, but I’m still leaning toward Li.
Prediction: Li in 3
Zain
Both these players faced off a couple of weeks ago in Rome, where Ann Li, after dropping the first set, stepped up her level from the baseline to get the win. And Li being the better baseliner and returner of serve has been a theme of this match-up, which I think continues at the French Open as well.
Prediction: Li in 2
Yesh
Ann Li was impressive in Strasbourg last week, reaching the semifinals. Shuai Zhang reached the quarters, but didn’t look as solid in the process. She’s also well past her best, while Li is still finding her consistent form.
Prediction: Li in 2
Diane Parry vs Anhelina Kalinina
Nurein
Parry has a title this swing at the WTA 125K level and she’s got a devastating slice game that can blunt the power game of Kalinina. With home support and conditions favoring her creativity, I like Parry’s chances in this match.
Prediction: Parry in 3
Zain
In front of a home crowd, Diane Parry is likely to enter this match with confidence, especially against a player who just a couple of days ago had to withdraw from the final in Rabat. But despite these advantages, Anhelina Kalinina is the overall more solid and comfortable player on this surface, and if she is not physically hampered, she should win this one.
Prediction: Kalinina in 3
Yesh
Kalinina has played a lot of tennis on clay this last month, and she’s looked really strong. However, she was clearly unwell in the Rabat final just a few short days ago. If she’s 100%, she should be favored in this match. But I’m not sure we can count on that.
Prediction: Kalinina in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Nurein
Look, Sabalenka has not been at her best this swing, but her power and return game remain a huge advantage here. Bouzas Maneiro is great competitor and normally does well on clay, but she doesn’t have the power game nor the experience to hit through Sabalenka.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Zain
While Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on clay is capable of making matches physical, against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, that will be a tall order. Expect Sabalenka’s power from the baseline to be just too much for Bouzas, as she kick-starts her French Open campaign confidently.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Yesh
What a terrible draw for the World #1. Sabalenka does not deserve a player this good in the first round. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro is not at her best right now, but she can trouble Sabalenka if she is. The smart pick is still a Sabalenka win, but don’t be surprised if it’s somewhat close.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – Imagn Images
