The first round of both the men’s and women’s singles will conclude on Day of the French Open. We’ll be treated to 20 women’s matches on Tuesday, and–as always–our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts on all of the matches with you. We split the matches between five articles, with the other four articles featuring Coco Gauff vs Olivia Gadecki, Mirra Andreeva vs Cristina Bucsa, Victoria Azarenka vs Yanina Wickmayer, and Sofia Kenin vs Varvara Gracheva. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will reach Round 2?
French Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Ann Li vs Maria Lourdes Carle
Jordan:
Li will be the aggressor in this match. Lourdes Carle’s best chance of beating the American is on clay by extending the rallies and frustrating her opponent. But I think Li’s forehand can still dominate enough to hit through Lourdes Carle’s defense.
Prediction: Li in 3
Damian:
This one just looks pretty tight with Li in the middle of such a good season, but Carle coming through the qualifying. The American is the better ball-striker and has never been afraid of the clay unlike some of her compatriots. She has a bit of an edge here, but Carle has surprised in matches that technically weren’t on her racket before.
Prediction: Li in 2
Ilemona:
In this tight first-round clash Argentina’s María Lourdes Carle, with her strong clay-court pedigree, looks to upset No. 57 Ann Li. While Li has notched more wins in recent weeks including a run to the indoor hard court event in Singapore, Carle’s surface expertise gives her the slight edge in this encounter.
Prediction: Lourdes Carle in 3
Nao Hibino vs Moyuka Uchijima
Jordan:
Uchijima is much more comfortable on clay than her compatriot when she is playing well. The 23-year-old is also inconsistent, and Hibino, a better player on hard-courts, will hope she underperforms. If Uchijima is near her best, she will win comfortably.
Prediction: Uchijima in 2
Damian:
Hibino posted the biggest upset of the qualifying, saving a match point to defeat Andreescu. It wasn’t just the Canadian falling apart, she made it happen with some sensational defending and the ability to make the opponent uncomfortable. This all-Japanese duel doesn’t seem that lopsided; maybe Hibino can keep producing some vintage stuff?
Prediction: Hibino in 3
Ilemona:
Moyuka Uchijima should be favored against struggling compatriot Nao Hibino. Uchijima brings stronger recent form and a previous H2H win, while Hibino’s difficult season (13-14 record) suggests an Uchijima victory is likely.
Prediction: Uchijima in 2
Katie Volynets vs Joanna Garland
Jordan:
The threat from Garland, who did not drop a set in qualifying, should not be underestimated. However, I favor the more consistent Volynets in this matchup, whose grit and defensive skills make clay her most formidable surface. The 23-year-old is capable of progressing through a few rounds in Paris.
Prediction: Volynets in 2
Damian:
Garland had a reasonably difficult qualifying section and yet handled it all in straight sets, even without playing any clay-court tournaments in the lead-up. It’s probably over here with Volynets providing a lot of consistency and typically solid level, but the American is also not the kind of player who dominates her opposition.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Ilemona:
Joanna Garland, riding a red-hot 30-6 season, could spring an upset against No. 64 Katie Volynets. While Volynets has the ranking advantage, Garland’s winning momentum makes this a dangerous matchup for the American.
Prediction: Garland in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Anca Todoni
Jordan:
Pegula has not enjoyed a good clay-court swing, but this should be an ideal start for her. Todoni is yet to win a match on clay this season, and also had some injury issues. Pegula can win this without being at her best.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Damian:
It’s tough to say what the expectations should be from Pegula at Roland Garros this year. The American didn’t produce anything in her last few tournaments, but the draw looks kinda inviting. Except for the first round against the dangerous Todoni. The Romanian struggled with her health recently, so in the end Pegula will probably be fine.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Ilemona:
Jessica Pegula should cruise against Anca Alexia Todoni in the French Open first round. The World No. 3 brings far more experience, while 20-year-old Todoni is playing just her second Grand Slam main draw. Pegula should advance comfortably.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
