The first day of the French Open saw plenty of upsets, and Day 2 definitely has potential for more of the same. As always, we’re here to predict all of the matches for you. We’re splitting the day’s 24 matches between six articles. In addition to this article, our others feature Amanda Anisimova vs Naomi Osaka, Oceane Dodin vs Andrea Petkovic, Victoria Azarenka vs Ana Bogdan, Iga Swiatek vs Lesia Tsurenko, and Angelique Kerber vs Magdalena Frech. Predicting these matches are Jim Smith, Yesh Ginsburg, and Andy Watson. Who do you think will win?
French Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Anna Bondar vs Petra Kvitova
Jim:
Petra Kvitova may not be the force she once was, but she remains a formidable ball-striker when she is on song. That said, she is badly short of match practice on the clay. She has played just three matches and has lost them all, which does not inspire much confidence in her chances. But her opponent Anna Bondar had to withdraw with an injury in Rabat last week, which may well count in the Czech’s favour.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Yesh:
Kvitova might be towards the end of her career in terms of consistency, but the talent is still there. Hopefully the Czech can find her form again, because she can beat anyone when she does.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Andy:
The Hungarian is favourite for this in my opinion. Bondar has won 71% of her clay court matches in the last twelve months, albeit many at a lower level. Kvitova just seems very inconsistent right now and can’t be trusted to bring the level we would have expected a couple of years ago.
Prediction: Bondar in 2
Anett Kontaveit vs Alja Tomljanovic
Jim:
It has been an up-and-down season for Anett Kontaveit so far after a breakthrough 2021. But there have been enough good results to suggest that a deep run is possible in Paris if she can generate some momentum. At any rate, this looks like a winnable match for the Estonian. She has beaten Ajla Tomljanovic in both of their previous meetings and is more comfortable on the clay than the Australian.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 2
Yesh:
Kontaveit was on top of the world at the end of last year. That hasn’t quite translated so far this season, but she’s still in an elite class. I don’t expect her to get upset so early.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 2
Andy:
Although Kontaveit has gone off the boil in terms of winning titles, she hasn’t lost a first round match in ten tournaments. The Estonian also has a 2-0 H2H record against Tomljanovic so that is enough evidence to back Kontaveit here.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 2
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Greet Minnen
Jim:
Ekaterina Alexandrova has not kicked on as she would have liked in recent years, particularly when up against the best in the game, but the Russian is generally a solid performer. Greet Minnen has impressed in fits and starts over the course of her career, but the gulf in quality is likely too big for her to bridge here.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Yesh:
Minnen can surprise people at times, and she’s never a walkover, but she’s not quite a top Tour-level player. Unless she can’t find her form, Alexandrova should be fine here.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Andy:
The Russian is on the verge of the top of the game now and has looked in good touch this year. Minnen enjoys the clay but doesn’t have the weapons to hit through a good mover like Alexandrova.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Bianca Andreescu vs Ysaline Bonaventure
Jim:
Bianca Andreescu still has plenty of work to do to return to the heights she once reached after a dreadful spell of injuries, but the Canadian demonstrated that she still has plenty of talent in Rome, where she reached the quarterfinals. If she can keep up that level of tennis, she should have the beating of Ysaline Bonaventure.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Yesh:
Is Andreescu fully healthy? When she is, almost no one can beat her. Perhaps she’s the best challenge to Swiatek in this draw if she can find her match fitness. This match should be a good way to get started on that.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Andy:
The Canadian former US Open champion is starting to look more like herself again after a long struggle with physical issues. She is in a tough section of the draw so will be looking to win this in straight sets.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
