Monday is the Day 2 of action at the French Open. We are predicting every single one of Monday’s 24 matches for you, across six separate articles. Each article predicts four matches. The other five articles feature Serena Williams vs Kristie Ahn, Amanda Anisimova vs Tamara Korpatsch, Petra Kvitova vs Oceane Dodin, Iga Swiatek vs Marketa Vondrousova, and Madison Keys vs Shuai Zhang, respectively. Predicting this set of matches are Jim Smith, Sean Judge, and myself (Yesh Ginsburg).
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Christina McHale vs Karolina Muchova
Jim:
Muchova’s all-court game is better suited to hard and grass courts than clay. But after an impressive showing in New York, where she reached the fourth round at the US Open, she should arrive in Paris with plenty of confidence. She won’t be challenging for the title, but expect her to get past McHale without encountering too many difficulties.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Sean:
Muchova played a decent tournament at the US Open before losing to eventual finalist, Azarenka in three sets. Despite not posting great results on the clay previously, her game is suited for the surface and could go deep in this years French Open. Mchale hasn’t been able to back up a good third round appearance in Cincinnati and has won just one match since. Muchova shouldn’t have too much trouble against the experienced American.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Yesh:
Muchova has such huge potential and will threaten to win Majors someday. However, McHale is the kind of player that can throw anyone for a loop, and she loves to bring her best at the biggest stages. The Czech’s game won’t frustrate her, so don’t be shocked if we see an upset coming.
Prediction: McHale in 3
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Jim:
Pavlyuchenkova’s form has been indifferent lately. Kuznetsova, meanwhile, may have seen her power’s wane, but the 2009 champion remains a dogged opponent, more than capable of digging out wins. She showed as much in battling into the third round in Rome and she should prove too strong for the out-of-form Pavlyuchenkova.
Prediction: Kuznetsova in 2
Sean:
Pavlyuchenkova has failed to win back-to-back matches since her brilliant run at this year’s Australian Open. Her tennis has been very erratic lately but has shown some positive signs in some of her recent defeats. Kuznetsova will always be a danger to many on the clay and posted a solid third round performance in Rome. This will be a close match and really depends on the level Pavlyuchenkova produces.
Prediction: Kuznetsova in 3
Yesh:
Kuznetsova really is the ageless wonder in women’s tennis. She might not be at Grand Slam-winning levels anymore, but she can beat anyone on any given day. She should be able to handle her out-of-form compatriot without too much trouble here.
Prediction: Kuznetsova in 2
Diane Parry vs Polona Hercog
Jim:
This will be a great learning experience for Diane Parry, who will be hoping to one day challenge for the biggest titles in the sport. But Hercog is a first-rate clay-courter, even if she has not been at her best of late. Her powerful, topspin heavy forehand seems likely to cause the 18-year-old Parry real problems and should be enough to fire the Slovakian into the second round.
Prediction: Hercog in 3
Sean:
French wild card Parry, will be going into her first round match as underdog against Hercog. Her form has been far from what she would’ve wished for and won’t have many expectations going into the match. Her opponent, Hercog, has played some decent comeback tournaments on the clay having beaten Kiki Bertens two weeks ago in Rome. Hercog shouldn’t have any trouble in getting past the 18-year-old.
Prediction: Hercog in 2
Yesh:
There are several players in this draw that Parry would have liked her chances against. She has talent and will be one to watch in the future. For now, though, she’s in a tough match against a far superior opponent.
Prediction: Hercog in 2
Garbine Muguruza vs Tamara Zidansek
Jim:
One can never be quite sure what to expect from Muguruza. But her game is very well-suited to clay-court tennis and she impressed in reaching the semifinals at the Italian Open. If she can maintain that level in Paris, she should certainly have too much in her locker for Zidansek to contend with.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Sean:
Muguruza has been playing some decent tennis on the clay having made the final in Rome two weeks ago. Her opponent, Zidansek, hasn’t played since the middle of August and shouldn’t cause her too many issues. The former French Open champion should be able to progress comfortably.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Yesh:
Last spring was Zidansek’s time to shine on the clay, as she pulled off a few upsets and showed tremendous potential. She hasn’t hit that level since, though don’t be shocked if she gives some serious trouble to the up-and-down Muguruza right now. This one could be very close.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
