The first day of the French Open saw plenty of upsets, and Day 2 definitely has potential for more of the same. As always, we’re here to predict all of the matches for you. We’re splitting the day’s 24 matches between six articles. In addition to this article, our others feature Amanda Anisimova vs Naomi Osaka, Oceane Dodin vs Andrea Petkovic, Iga Swiatek vs Lesia Tsurenko, Bianca Andreescu vs Ysaline Bonaventure, and Angelique Kerber vs Magdalena Frech. Predicting these matches are Jim Smith, Yesh Ginsburg, and Andy Watson. Who do you think will win?
French Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Anna Karolina Schmiedlova vs Kristina Kucova
Jim:
This match could probably go either way. Only two places separate them in the rankings and they have a similar amount of experience. Kristina Kucova has been playing the better tennis of late, however, even if only marginally. Expect her to be the player to reach the second round.
Prediction: Kucova in 3
Yesh:
Schmiedlova is playing well enough right now, and Kucova is in terrible form at the moment. This seems like an easy match for Schmiedlova.
Prediction: Schmiedlova in 2
Andy:
Kucova has had the upper hand when these two have played before, albeit some of those matches were many years ago. Neither can claim to be in particularly good form right now and their game win statstics on clay are almost exactly the same too. Kucova is slightly favored as a result of that H2H record.
Prediction: Kucova in 3
Heather Watson vs Elsa Jacquemot
Jim:
Elsa Jacquemot will doubtless be determined to acquit herself well in front of the French crowd. Heather Watson will be very familiar with the help a home crowd can offer after some memorable outings at Wimbledon. But that does not necessarily mean she will be able to counter the momentum Jacquemot can generate by feeding off the crowd, particularly in the vital moments.
Prediction: Jacquemot in 3
Yesh:
This should be fun. Neither player is great, but both have potential to do incredible things at times. I have no idea who will win–that will depend on who is more consistent. But I do know that this will be a very fun match to watch.
Prediction: Jacquemot in 3
Andy:
The French wild card has an excellent chance here. Watson has a poor Grand Slam record, losing in the first round in five of the last six. Jacquemot has impressive victories over Kalinskaya and Hartono in her last tournament both of whom would fancy their chances of winning this match. With the crowd behind her Jacquemot could produce a good performance.
Prediction: Jacquemot in 3
Katie Volynets vs Viktorija Golubic
Jim:
Viktorija Golubic has not quite managed to replicate her impressive 2021 season so far in 2022, but she has performed solidly enough for the most part and arrives at the French Open fresh from reaching the quarterfinals in Strasbourg. She should have the beating of Katie Volynets on the American’s French Open debut.
Prediction: Golubic in 3
Yesh:
Golubic looked like she would have a huge breakthrough recently, but hasn’t quite made it yet. Still, she’s better than Volynets in general, and even better on clay. This shouldn’t be too entertaining a match.
Prediction: Golubic in 2
Andy:
This could be a step too far for the young American wild card. Golubic, though not in as good form in 2022 as she was in 2021, is still a higher ranked player than anyone that Volynets has beaten going back a long way. The Swiss did get a couple of wins under her belt last week as well so she should be favored here.
Prediction: Golubic in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Ana Bogdan
Jim:
It has been a largely solid clay-court season for Victoria Azarenka, with the Belarusian having beaten the players she would be expected to beat and lost to everyone else. Fortunately for Azarenka, Ana Bogdan is in the former-category. It would not be a massive shock if the Romanian came out on top here, but Azarenka is the favourite and rightly so.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Yesh:
Azarenka can’t seem to stay healthy, but she can play at elite levels whenever she is. Let’s hope she’s healthy, because that’s great for the sport.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Andy:
Azarenka has won 15 out of last 16 first round matches but Bogdan is in very good form as well. I still think Azarenka will continue her good record at this stage of tournaments and get on the front foot to dominate the rallies here.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
