Day at 2 the French Open features Maria Sharapova and Heather Watson starting their journeys in Paris, while Victoria Azarenka looks to be in for a battle. Nurein Ahmed, Jay Huberdini and Steen Kirby offer their previews and predictions for Monday.
Heather Watson vs. Oceane Dodin
Jay: Watson is already on a miserable patch of form and has only won one match so far on clay, which automatically gives her a disadvantage. Dodin hasn’t had the best of years so far but the French crowd will surely help her throughout the match, and she is comfortable on clay unlike the Brit. Dodin in 2 sets
Nurein: Two players who have struggled for form and fitness with a spot in round two of Major in mind. This is a tough one to call. Dodin has home advantage though and I think that should be enough motivation to get her over the line. Watson has been in terrible form and I can’t see her exerting any control on this match. Dodin in 2
Steen: Dodin on clay and at home should be better than a struggling Watson. Dodin in 2
Maria Sharapova vs. Richel Hogenkamp
Jay: Sharapova has proven that she is a big threat following her deep run in Rome and looks to be one of the favourites to win. Hogenkamp, on the other hand, has struggled in ITF and qualifying tournaments throughout the year and doesn’t have the weapons to harm an on form Sharapova. Sharapova in 2
Nurein; This should be fairly routine win for Sharapova in straight sets. Richel Hogenkamp has posted more losses than wins this year and is facing a Sharapova oozing confidence. Sharapova in 2
Steen: Sharapova is far better than this journeyman who has struggled all season, expect a rout. Sharapova in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs. Katerina Siniakova
Jay: Azarenka has been surprisingly on form since her proper return to tour, but it won’t be an easy match for her. Siniakova has just come off a semifinal in Nuremberg and will also be in good shape in the first round, but I believe Azarenka’s experience will pull her through. Azarenka in 3
Nurein: I am convinced that Victoria Azarenka’s hopes of getting back to the top of the women’s game are over. I like Azarenka, make no mistake about it. But she’ll 29 in a month’s time, she’s a mother and an off-court custody battle to deal with, she has completely been out of the limelight. She has only played three clay court matches. It is a complete opposite to her opponent who has amassed tons of playing time on the clay. Siniakova loves the clay and I can see her inflicting more pain on Azarenka. Siniakova in 3
Steen: Siniakova is in better form despite not being a well known player compared to her opponent. Smart money is on Siniakova. Siniakova in 3
Petra Kvitová vs. Veronica Cepede Royg
Jay: The Czech is arguably the favourite to win the tournament and has already won 4 titles so far this year. Cepede Royg clearly likes to play in Paris, and managed to reach the fourth round last year. However, Petra may be a step too far for the Paraguayan and may overpower her. Kvitová in 2
Nurein: I picked Petra Kvitova to win the whole thing at the start of the tournament and this opening round match should be as comfortable as having a sip of water. Kvitová in 2
Steen: Kvitová is a heavy favorite to make a deep run this tournament, Cepede Royg won’t trouble her. Kvitová in 2
Karolina Pliskova vs. Barbora Krejčíková
Jay: Krejcikova is a talented doubles player and clearly is a good singles player, having reached the Nuremberg final last year but has struggled throughout qualifiers most of the year. Pliskova has had a very successful clay season and looks very likely to defend her semifinal points from last year and she dominate in this Czech battle. Pliskova in 2
Nurein: There is only one result in this and that is a straight sets win for Karolina Pliskova who makes her return to the tennis court since that infamous spat with the umpire over a line call in Rome. Pliskova in 2
Steen: Pliskova is more accomplished and her form is much better, I’d be shocked if this was close. Pliskova in 2
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