The 2025 French Open Day 1 features rising stars and compelling matchups as play begins in Paris. Victoria Mboko takes on Lulu Sun, while Anastasia Potapova faces Linda Nosková in a power-packed clash. We have predictions for all of the first round matches in Paris.
Victoria Mboko vs Lulu Sun
Steen Kirby: Mboko has been thriving, she’s 29-2(!!) at the ITF level this year and 4-3 at tour level, she has 5 ITF titles this season. Sun is a top 50 player but is just 6-14 on the season, those struggles means that Mboko is in a great position to win this match, and I expect her momentum to continue. Mboko in 3
Jordan Reynolds: This is a fascinating matchup. Sun has more experience, but usually plays her worst tennis on clay. 18-year-old Mboko is already a rising star and comfortable on clay. Despite her age, I think she will defeat Sun. Mboko in 2
Lucía Romero Gormaz vs Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah
Steen: A battle of players who have names that will stretch the scoreboard, the 23 year old Gormaz has been battling her way up the rankings, she qualified, and has been excellent at the ITF level. The 19 year old Rajaonah was born in Madagascar and plays under the French federation, she gets a wild card for this tournament. Form favors Gormaz, so I’ll go with the Spaniard to get the result. Romero Gormaz in 2
Jordan: These two young stars will view this as a great opportunity to get a Grand Slam main draw victory. Although the Frenchwoman has home advantage and recently got to the Rouen Open quarterfinal on clay, I favor Romero Gormaz. She played superbly in qualifying, and the match practice might give her the edge over the wild card. Romero Gormaz in 2
Diana Shnaider vs Alina Sobolieva
Steen: Shnaider won the only meeting, 14-12 on the season, Shnaider is a top 15 player, her compatriot Sobolieva is the same age but has yet to break into the top 150. Sobolieva is not used to this level despite a good qualifying campaign, and Shnaider should get off to a winning start, though more difficult tests await. Shnaider in 2
Jordan: Sobolieva beat two seeded players in qualifying in impressive fashion. However, she will need to play even better to have any chance against Shnaider. The 11th seed likes clay and could be a dark horse for a deep run at Roland Garros. Shnaider in 2
Anastasia Potapova vs Linda Nosková
Steen: Potapova is 17-9 on the year and looking to return to the top 25, Noskova is 13-13 on the season and this match is a bit of a coin flip. Noskova won the only meeting, but form wise, I’ll go with Potapova, the defensively sound player, to be the winner and power into round 2. Potapova in 3
Jordan: This could be a tight battle between two players with opposing styles. Noskova will try to hit through Potapova, one of the best defenders on clay. The former Australian Open semifinalist is not as comfortable on clay compared to hard courts, and might find Potapova’s defense too tough to navigate. Potapova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
