The WTA French Open women’s qualifying action continues. There are 128 spots in the main draw, and a lot of competition for the final places in that draw after the direct qualifiers. Playing in the first round of a major tournament is a given for the stars of tennis, but for the players ranked outside the top 100, it is often a career highlight and a very memorable moment. Let’s see which players rise or fall under the pressure of major tournament qualifying. LWOS has our best bets for three matches. Post your best bets and thoughts in the comments.
WTA French Open qualifying
Zavatska – Zhao: Time 15:00 EST
H2H: 0-0
Katarina Zavatska faces Carol Zhao. Zavatska is ranked World No. 268, Zhao No. 403. Zavatska is 3-2 in her last five matches, Zhao 2-3 in her last five. The big statistic which jumps out about this match is that Zavatska has won 27 clay matches in 2026, Zhao none. Zavatska has played 40 clay matches this year, Zhao two. If you want to understand why Zavatska is a big favorite on the betting markets beyond the world rankings, that collection of facts explains everything.
Best Bet to Make
Zavatska to win in straight sets doesn’t offer a good price because she is such an overwhelming favorite. You will have to go to the game spread here. The most evenly-priced game spread is 5.5 games. Given the vast gulf in clay experience between the two players, that number seems very reachable for Zavatska. The favorite will cover the spread.
That being said, betting on Zavatska -5.5 games is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/ the best odds: Zavatska -5.5 games @1.73 @Bet365
Semenistaja – Shymanovich: Time 15:00 EST
H2H: 1–1
Darja Semenistaja faces Iryna Symanovich. Semenistaja is ranked World No. 112, Shymanovich No. 188. Semenistaja is 2-3 in her last five matches, Shymanovich 3-2 in her last five. However, Shymanovich, who does not seem to be injured, has not played a match since April 19. Semenistaja played as recently as May 4 and therefore might not be as rusty. This match should be very interesting to watch because Shymanovich had a decent month of April but has to be concerned about her lack of match play going into the French Open. Which variable will wind up mattering more?
Best Bet to Make
Semenistaja having played much more recently than Shymanovich might be enough to get her the outright match victory, so you could fold Semenistaja moneyline into a parlay. As for a single bet, however, you should go with Shymanovich to win a set and keep the match close. She had a good Rouen tournament in April. If she is healthy, she is probably good enough to battle Semenistaja, who has not been playing great tennis. With Shymanovich reportedly in good health, this match should be very competitive.
That being said, betting on Shymanovich +1.5 sets is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/ the best odds: Shymanovich +1.5 sets @1.80 @Unibet
Akli – Kawa: Time 15:00 EST
H2H: 0–0
Ayana Akli faces Katarzyna Kawa. Akli is ranked World No. 256, Kawa No. 139. Kawa has 13 clay match wins in 2026, Akli only five. Akli is 2-3 in her last five matches while Kawa enters this battle on a five-match winning streak. The betting markets have installed Kawa as a very heavy favorite, and based on the immediate statistics for both players, it is easy to see why.
Best Bet to Make
Kawa winning in straight sets offers a decent price considering the other details attached to these players. Kawa is the better player overall. She is having the better 2026 season on clay courts. She is the more in-form player based on her past several matches. All the arrows are pointing in her direction, so there is no need to overthink this bet. Kawa should be able to win this match decisively.
That being said, betting on Kawa winning 2:0 is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/ the best odds: Kawa winning 2:0 @1.65 @1xBet
Main Photo Credit: Matthias Hauer-USA TODAY Sports
