The first round of the French Open women’s singles continues on Monday, Day 2 of the event. There are 24 matches scheduled for the day, and–as always–we here at LastWordOnTennis will share our thoughts on all of them. We split the day’s matches between six articles. In addition to this article, our other five feature Coco Gauff vs Julia Adveeda, Ons Jabeur vs Saschia Vickery, Danielle Collins vs Caroline Dolehide, Elina Svitolina vs Karolina Pliskova, and Maria Sakkari vs Varvara Gracheva. Predicting these matches are Jim Smith, Jordan Reynolds, and Glenys Furness.
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Harriet Dart vs Linda Noskova
Jim:
Linda Noskova is one to watch at the French Open. The Czech has a bright future and, whilst she has not been at her best over the last few weeks, this is a relatively kind draw. Harriet Dart never lacks commitment, but she is not at her most effective on the clay.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Jordan:
There will be a lot of powerful hitting in this matchup. Noskova can struggle at times against opponents who rush her from the back of the court, giving the Briton a chance. Nonetheless. Dart probably is not comfortable enough on clay to beat Noskova over three sets.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Glenys:
Dart has been unlucky in early rounds with facing seeded players, but has fought hard trying to win some games or sets. Noskova has also lost early in the last few events she has taken place in. As much as it pains me to go against a Brit, Noskova will be too good for Dart here.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Julia Riera vs Irina-Camelia Begu
Jim:
Irina-Camelia Begu is an experienced campaigner and that should serve her well up against Julia Riera. There is not a huge amount between them on paper, but where Begu has twice been to the second week in Paris, Riera is making her Grand Slam debut.
Prediction: Begu in 3
Jordan:
This is a tough match to call. At her best, Begu is a slightly more imposing presence on clay, although she can be inconsistent. She is a very slight favourite to progress with the talent she possesses.
Prediction: Begu in 3
Glenys:
Riera has been successful on the lower tiers, winning an ITF title in Germany earlier this month. Begu made the semi final at the same event. A definite neutrals match and will be well worth a watch. Riera came through qualifying so will be dangerous.
Prediction: Riera in 3
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Hailey Baptiste vs Kayla Day
Jim:
Jordan:
Baptiste is a very late entry into the main draw after the last minute withdrawal of Oceane Dodin. This is a great opportunity for both players to get a Grand Slam win. Despite losing in qualifying, I think Baptiste’s game could be a tough matchup for Day. The American to win in three sets.
Prediction: Baptiste in 3
Glenys:
Baptiste made the draw as lucky loser when Dodin withdrew. The American has played Day twice before, both in 2020, and won both. Day will have prepared for a different opponent and now will have to re prepare. Day will know that Baptiste leads the head-to-head and this could play on her mind.
Prediction: Baptiste in 3
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Iga Swiatek vs Leolia Jeanjean
Jim:
There are several contenders for the French Open title, but one heavy favorite. Iga Swiatek may need to call on her best tennis at some point over the next two weeks, but with respect to Leolia Jeanjean, she can and probably will win this match without needing to be at her best.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan:
Jeanjean will be hopeful of being somewhat competitive in this match. Swiatek usually fires from the first round rather than playing herself into form. If that is the case again, at least one 6-0 set is very possible here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Glenys:
Swiatek is the top seed and favorite for the title. The Pole is coming in off back-to-back titles in Madrid and Rome. JeanJean made a quarterfinal in Croatia, before battling through qualifying to set up the match with the favorite.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane USAToday