Expect an exicting first day at Roland Garros. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Marie Bouzkova vs Veronika Kudermetova, Lesia Tsurenko vs Donna Vekic, and Tatjana Maria vs Clara Tauson. But who will book their spot in the last 64 at the French Open?
French Open Day 1 Predictions
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro vs Jana Fett
Ateet: Jessica Bouzas Maneiro has won a lot of matches in the ITF circuit this year which should give her confidence but this is a different level altogether. She defeated Paula Badosa in Madrid which counts for something. Jana Fett is coming from winning three matches in qualifying and has the chance to win her first main draw match at the French Open. This can go either way but I trust the qualifier more.
Prediction: Fett in 3
Jordan: Bouzas Maneiro is a huge talent, proving that in her win in Madrid against Paula Badosa. Fett got to this stage as a lucky loser. Despite Bouzas Maneiro’s young age, she already has more clay-court prowess than her opponent. The Spaniard’s consistent game should take her to victory.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 2
Glenys: Bouzas Maneiro made the quarter final of an ITF event in Spain recently, and is in the main draw as of right. Fett claimed an ITF title in Portugal at the end of April and came through qualifying to make the Roland Garros first round. This will be a fairly close match
Prediction: Fett in 3
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Katie Volynets vs Alexandra Krunic
Ateet: Katie Volynets did not lose a set in the qualifying draw and was quite aggressive in her last qualifying match as she hit 35 winners. She took Aryna Sabalenka to three sets in Rome which displays that she can play at a high level. That level should be good enough for Aleksandra Krunic.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Jordan: Volynets has enjoyed a very good last few months. She came through qualifying in Paris and her athleticism and variation makes her an awkward draw for Krunic. The Serbian returned this year after a long time on the sidelines and she may not relish a physical battle with Volynets, who is among the fittest players in the women’s game.
Prediction: Volynets in 2
Glenys: Volynets failed to qualify for Madrid, made the quarter final in St Malo and then qualified for the Italian Open before losing in the second round. The American eased through Roland Garros qualifying to set up this match. Krunic failed to qualify for the Italian Open, made the main draw in Morocco but lost in the first round. This will be a good neutrals match and could go either way.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
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Lucia Bronzetti vs Naomi Osaka
Ateet: Naomi Osaka has shown some glimpses of brilliance since her comeback but she is yet to get that breakthrough week. Lucia Bronzetti can be a tricky opponent on clay but if she plays well she will go through.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Glenys: Bronzetti has had early round exits apart from in Morocco last week, where she made the quarter final so should be full of confidence. However, she drawn Osaka who is on her comeback trail. The Japanese has steadily been improving and made the fourth round in Rome. She even took out two seeds.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Jordan: Osaka showed some promising signs on what has been her least successful surface in Rome, including a win against Daria Kasatkina. Bronzetti can be dangerous when she finds her range but she has been very inconsistent this season. The four-time Grand Slam champion’s superior power and increased confidence on the dirt makes her the favourite. A victory for her would almost certainly set up a terrific second round match with Iga Swiatek.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Wang Xinyu vs Jule Niemeier
Ateet: Jule Niemeier dispatched her opponents in qualifying but Wang Xinyu is a step up in level. Wang has played some good matches on ckay recently but can she hang in against the power of the German? I don’t think so.
Prediction: Niemeier in 3
Jordan: Niemeier has had some great results on clay during her career but her current level is not near what it once was. This is still not a bad draw for her, with Wang not entirely comfortable on the dirt. If the German is brave and hits powerfully to get Wang on the move, an upset is possible. Niemeier to leave Wang shocked in Paris.
Prediction: Niemeier in 2
Glenys: Wang has not got further than the second round on the current clay swing. Niemeir didn’t qualify for Madrid or Rome, but was runner up in Germany and the semi final in Parma both on the ITF level. The German also eased through qualifying
Prediction: Niemeier in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
