Day 2 of women’s singles at the French Open will see 24 first-round matches as the world’s best try to advance at the second Major of the year. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on every single match. We split the day’s matches between six articles. The other five feature Iga Swiatek vs Emerson Jones, Elina Svitolina vs Anna Bondar, Amanda Anisimova vs Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah, Leylah Fernandez vs Alycia Parks, and Jasmine Paolini vs Dayana Yastremska. Predicting these matches are Zain Mustafa, Ilemona Onekutu, and Jordan Reynolds. Who do you think will win?
French Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Maja Chwalinska vs Qinwen Zheng
Zain:
Maja Chwalinska showed a great level in qualifying, reaching the main draw without dropping a single set. And while she is really comfortable on slower clay, Zheng Qinwen just has too many weapons entering the match. Expect her to use her aggression and, when needed, rally tolerance to win this match at the site of what was the greatest victory of her career so far, in 2024.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Ilemona:
Zheng’s athleticism and power make her a consistent threat on any surface, and Chwalinska is still finding her feet at the top level. Zheng’s ability to hit through the court and defend when stretched is particularly suited to clay. Her ranking and Grand Slam pedigree should carry her through.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Jordan:
Zheng’s return since February from injury issues has been mixed. The Chinese star’s game naturally suits clay the most, as she showed at the 2024 Olympics. Chwalinska always competes well, but I think this is an ideal opening match for Zheng.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Katie Boulter vs Akasha Urhobo
Zain:
Akasha Urhobo last played a match on the WTA Tour in April, as her clay season has been largely empty so far. And while against Katie Boulter, a player who on clay can be susceptible herself, the Brit’s higher floor level alone should be enough to string together enough consistency from the back of the court to win this encounter.
Prediction: Boulter in 2
Ilemona:
Clay is not Boulter’s best surface, but Urhobo is a young American wildcard and the experience gap here is significant. Boulter’s serve and aggressive shot-making should allow her to take control before any real difficulties arise. This is a manageable opener for the British player.
Prediction: Boulter in 2
Jordan:
This is an interesting matchup. Urhobo has much less experience on this stage than Boulter, but the Briton, despite some improvements, is less comfortable on clay than other surfaces. I have a feeling the 19-year-old American will pick up a notable triumph.
Prediction: Urhobo in 3
McCartney Kessler vs Hanyu Guo
Zain:
Having not dropped a set in qualifying, Guo Hanyu has shown that she is more comfortable on clay than her ranking would suggest. Against McCartney Kessler, this is yet another match in which the American will bring a higher level of aggression, and Guo will look to make the rallies more physical. And while I give Guo a legitimate chance to pull off the upset, Kessler’s serving and ball quality advantage is too big to look against.
Prediction: Kessler in 3
Ilemona:
McCartney Kessler plays with good aggression and has shown solid results building into big events. Guo will try to counter but faces someone who is more comfortable dictating on this surface right now. Kessler’s balance between power and steadiness looks promising.
Prediction: Kessler in 2
Jordan:
Kessler is definitely most adept on hard courts. That provides a potential opening for Guo if she plays well. Overall, I do not believe it will be enough for Kessler to be eliminated.
Prediction: Kessler in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Veronika Erjavec
Zain:
On her favorite surface, Veronika Erjavec will have a mountain to climb here as she takes on second seed Elena Rybakina. This is a match-up in which the Kazakh not only has the edge from the serve-return dynamic but also from the back of the court. As such, any result other than a straightforward win for Rybakina will be a big surprise.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Ilemona:
Elena Rybakina serves big and hits flat, powerful shots that can dominate on faster clay. Erjavec will fight hard but lacks the weapons to consistently match that pace. Rybakina’s overall form this season should make this straightforward.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jordan:
Rybakina’s results and form in Madrid and Rome were okay without being overly impressive. Nonetheless, she can dominate on any surface, and should be considered among the title favorites. Erjavec has no chance unless the Australian Open champion massively underperforms.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
