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, Elena Rybakina vs Veronika Erjavec, and Leylah Fernandez vs Alycia Parks. Predicting these matches are Zain Mustafa, Ilemona Onekutu, and Jordan Reynolds. Who do you think will win?
French Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Renata Zarazua
Zain:
Renata Zarazua’s court coverage and rally tolerance make her a tricky opponent on clay, especially if it is a match largely played from the back of the court as this one should be. But Diana Shnaider’s raw power, better serve, and effective ball striking make this match an offensive mismatch, one which Shnaider should win.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Ilemona:
Diana Shnaider has been one of the stronger performers on clay with her well-rounded game and fitness. Zarazua knows the surface but will have trouble matching that overall quality. Shnaider’s ability to control rallies makes her the clear pick.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Jordan:
Zarazua is a a very capable player who always plays with a great attitude. Shnaider’s ceiling is undoubtedly higher, and whether she finds that level will likely determine this match’s outcome. I expect her to find enough to prevail.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Cristina Bucsa vs Susan Bandecchi
Zain:
While Susan Bandecchi has shown that she is capable of holding her own from the baseline during qualifying, this match against Cristina Bucsa will test her rally tolerance and physicality at a much higher level. Expect the Spaniard’s resilience and tenacity from the baseline to be too much for the Swiss here.
Prediction: Bucsa in 2
Ilemona:
Bucsa is a seeded Spanish clay-court regular with real experience on this surface. Bandecchi came through qualifying to earn her spot here, but now faces a significant step up in class. Bucsa’s depth and clay-court solidity should see this out comfortably.
Prediction: Bucsa in 2
Jordan:
Bucsa has lost her last five singles matches, including all three during the clay-court swing. That provides a chance for Bandecchi, who is ranked outside the Top 200. An upset is possible, but I feel Bucsa will keep her game together enough to stop the rot.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Talia Gibson vs Yulia Putintseva
Zain:
Talia Gibson’s high-aggression style is more suited to faster courts, as on clay she will need to dial her aggression back and be ready for a physical battle. And while she enters this match not in the best of form, Yulia Putintseva’s superior court coverage and rally tolerance give her the advantage in this match for me.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Ilemona:
Putintseva’s ability to shift angles and speeds on clay can frustrate any baseline player. Gibson is an improving Australian who has made strides this season, but Putintseva’s greater tactical experience and clay-court craft give her the edge. Her unpredictability should be too much for Gibson to consistently solve.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Jordan:
Gibson has not found much form during the clay-court swing. Although Putintseva can be very up and down, her variety and craftiness might not suit Gibson in her current form. The Kazakhstani is backed to win.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Jasmine Paolini vs Dayana Yastremska
Zain:
An established Top 10 player on tour in the previous two seasons, Jasmine Paolini’s form this year has finally taken a hit, coinciding with some injuries as well. Still, on clay, she is quite an effective counterpuncher, and against a player who often overhits during a match in Dayana Yastremska, the Italian should have enough to win this one given she is physically 100%.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Ilemona:
Paolini has struggled badly in 2026, going 8-7 with six of those losses against players outside the top 20. Yastremska is a flat, aggressive hitter who can take apart seeded players when her game clicks, and Paolini’s form this year makes her vulnerable. Yastremska’s ability to attack short balls and set the pace makes her a genuine threat here.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Jordan:
This is a fascinating matchup. Yastremska’s all-out attacking style versus Paolini, who can dig in or attack depending on how a contest pans out. I expect this to be a close battle where Yastremska has her moments. Overall, Paolini is the slightly more likely winner.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
