The talented Iva Jovic has a huge test against former Grand Slam Champion Elena Rybakina in round 2 of the 2025 French Open. Our panelists offer their complete predictions for all of the men’s and women’s action from Paris as the first week of the Grand Slam continues.
Elena Rybakina vs Iva Jovic
Nurein Ahmed: This is an exciting match pitting a Grand Slam champion against a future star. Jovic is steadily rising and undoubtedly a player to watch out for in the coming years. The potential is there, but she’s still a rookie at this level and might need at least a couple of years of fine-tuning before becoming a regular Top 50 player. That said, in-form Rybakina is looking at her sixth win in a row in this one. Rybakina in 2
Ilemona Onekutu: After surviving a scare in her opener—where a routine win turned into a tense three-set battle—Rybakina will aim for cleaner tennis against the fearless Jovic. The American’s aggressive style could cause problems early, but Rybakina’s champion mentality and superior firepower should steady the ship. If she sharpens her focus, expect a more dominant display this time. Rybakina in 2
Jordan Reynolds: Despite winning, Rybakina did not play well by her standards in the opening round. Talented teenager Iva Jovic has a chance if the Kazakhstani performs at that level again. Rybakina has had many patchy performances this season, but I would be surprised if she produced another performance like the opening round against Jovic. Rybakina in 2
Jasmine Paolini vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Nurein: I think we don’t talk enough about how beautifully Paolini’s game has evolved over the last 18 months. She’s improved her shot selection, has high rally tolerance, and constructs points with confidence. Tomljanovic got her revenge against Maya Joint in her opening match, but I don’t like picking against players who just played an entire week before a Grand Slam. Paolini in 2
Ilemona: Paolini’s recent clay-court form gives her the edge, but Tomljanovic’s relentless baseline game could grind down the Italian if she finds her rhythm. The Aussie’s fighting spirit might turn this into a physical battle, though Paolini’s variety and foot speed may prove decisive in key moments. Expect plenty of grueling rallies with momentum swings. Paolini in 3
Jordan: Paolini got pushed harder than expected against Yue Yuan. She found her best tennis in the last few games, and will hope to channel that into this match. Tomljanovic’s recent form on clay has been decent, but not good enough for me to back an upset. Paolini in 2
Danielle Collins vs Olga Danilovic
Nurein: When it comes to intensity and first-strike tennis, there are not many players who do it better than Danielle Collins. But stylistically, this matchup on clay favors Danilovic. The young Serbian has the heavier topspin which is a major asset in her arsenal. Danilovic in 2
Ilemona: These two know each other well—both previous meetings went the distance, suggesting another tight battle. Collins’ power-hitting will test Danilovic’s lefty craft and resilience, but the Serbian won’t be intimidated after pushing the American hard before. If Collins avoids mid-match dips, her aggression should prevail—but Danilovic’s ability to extend rallies could again force a deciding set. Collins in 3
Jordan: Danilovic defeated Collins in a thrilling battle in the second round of last year’s French Open. I am backing the Serbian to cause a shock again. Her game is suited to disrupting Collins, and she played exceptionally in the opening round against Leylah Fernandez. The American’s opening round performance against Jodie Burrage was much patchier. Danilovic in 3
Liudmila Samsonova vs Leyre Romero Gormaz
Nurein: Romero Gormaz received a slice of good fortune drawing a lower-ranked wild card in her opening match. But she’s unlikely to keep this breakout run going for one more round. Liudmila Samsonova is coming off a confidence-boosting runner-up finish in Strasbourg and will use her vast experience to see off the Spaniard. Samsonova in 2
Ilemona: Samsonova’s explosive power should overpower the qualifier, but Romero Gormaz’s fearless shotmaking and clay-court grit could make this interesting if the Russian starts slowly. Samsonova in 2
Jordan: Samsonova cannot afford any complacency against Romero Gormaz, who has not dropped a set in her four matches at Roland Garros since qualifying. The Spaniard will try to soak up Samsonova’s powerful hitting and extract unforced errors. I do not think an upset is inconceivable, but Samsonova is undoubtedly the favorite. Samsonova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
