Expect plenty of exciting tennis on day one at the French Open. There are 20 first-round matches on the slate in Paris and, as ever, we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for every match, including Magda Linette vs Leylah Fernandez, Maria Sakkari vs Karolina Muchova, Aryna Sabalenka vs Marta Kostyuk and Daria Kasatkina vs Jule Niemeier. But who will book their place in the second round?<\/p>\n
Jim: This promises to be an entertaining clash. Jessica Pegula and Danielle Collins will both know the other\u2019s game well and both have experience of going deep at a Major. Collins is probably the more gifted clay-courter, but right now it is undoubtedly Pegula who is playing the better tennis, even if the last few weeks have not been particularly productive.<\/p>\n
Prediction: Pegula in 3<\/em><\/p>\n Damian: With no matches since Charleston, Collins is just a big question mark. The American has the kind of playstyle where she can sometimes come out with no expectations, swing freely and be unplayable. Pegula being way more solid for her is just a lot more likely though.<\/p>\n Prediction: Pegula in 2<\/em><\/p>\n Jack: Losing to Taylor Townsend in Rome has left many a little short-sighted on Pegula\u2019s incredible accomplishments. She so rarely loses early at any tournament\u2014she\u2019s so comfortable repeatedly bludgeoning her opponents with her incredibly measured flat strokes. Couple Pegula\u2019s reliability with Danielle Collins\u2019 questionable form and health, this shouldn\u2019t really be considered upset potential.<\/p>\n Prediction: Pegula in 2
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