We wrap up the first round of the women’s singles on Day 3 of the French Open. 20 matches are scheduled, and–as always–we here at LastWordOnTennis will share our thoughts on all of them with you. We split the day’s matches between five articles. In addition to this one, the other four feature Elena Rybakina vs Greet Minnen, Qinwen Zheng vs Alize Cornet, Madison Keys vs Renata Zarazua, and Aryna Sabalenka vs Erika Andreeva. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Manuel Traquete, and Liam McBride.
French Open Day 3 Predictions
Mirra Andreeva vs Emina Bektas
Jordan:
Teenage prodigy Andreeva is capable of making a deep run at the French Open, even at such an early stage of her career. This is a good first round draw for her. Bektas is a feisty competitor but she does not possess anything close to the level of natural talent that Andreeva has.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Manuel:
Andreeva is perhaps the WTA’s most exciting prospect and she got a very kind opening round draw here. The 17-year-old star should be able to make quick work of Bektas and perhaps start a real run here.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Liam:
Andreeva has been somewhat of a feel-good story in the past year. At just seventeen years old she has already broken into the Top 40 and seems destined for a career at the top. She will come up against an opponent who is solid in all areas, although lacks a distinctive weapon. Bektas has been around the block long enough to make this a tough one, Andreeva will push through though.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Lucija Ciric-Bagaric vs Peyton Stearns
Jordan:
Stearns has momentum after winning the title in Rabat heading into this event. That spells danger for Bagaric, since Stearns is very dangerous when her powerful game is firing on all cylinders. The American is likely to feed off the adrenaline of her title and not allow herself to have any kind of dip.
Prediction: Stearns in 2
Manuel:
Both players should be riding high on confidence, with Ciric having an excellent run through qualifying to make the main draw and Stearns winning the title in Rabat last week. The latter is the better player in general and should have a slight edge here.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Liam:
It’s Bagaric’s first Grand Slam and the 20-year-old holds a lot of promise. In her first match, she would’ve been wishing for an easier opponent though. The American will be sky-high in confidence after winning the WTA 250 Rabat at a stroll, beating Mayar Sherif 6-2 6-1. Bagaric will be competitive as she possesses an awkward game to play at times, heavy with slices and angles. However, Stearns will overcome this with her consistent depth and dominance on her forehand.
Prediction: Stearns in 2
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Magdalena Frech vs Daria Kasatkina
Jordan:
There will be many long rallies in this match. Frech will need to play more aggressively than usual to have a chance, since Kasatkina is one of the best movers in the women’s game, especially on clay. The Russian’s consistency and athleticism will be very hard for Frech to get through in the opening round.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Manuel:
Both players have been playing well in this clay season, but Kasatkina is generally the higher level player. It should be a tight match, but Kasatkina should be able to pull through in the end.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Liam:
Kasatkina’s counter-punching style suits the clay so well. However, since a runner-up medal in Charleston, she has failed to find her feet this clay court season. Frech is a tricky opponent with an unorthodox but very effective backhand which can throw off many opponents. Frech has also endured a torrid clay court season including a 6-0 6-2 loss to Sloane Stephens. Don’t expect this to be a classic, however it’ll be gritty and fascinating. I am going with Frech to cause an upset.
Prediction: Frech in 3
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Victoria Azarenka vs Nadia Podoroska
Jordan:
Clay-court specialist Podoroska’s best chance of beating Azarenka is definitely on the dirt. But it is still unlikely. Despite Azarenka’s results on the surface declining somewhat in recent years, her overall game is still more formidable than the Argentine on any surface. The sets will probably be competitive though.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Manuel:
Azarenka is very far from her Slam-winning, World #1 days, but she has settled as a solid Top 20 player who can always be a threat at any given event. She is still playing at a very high level and should be able to make quick work of this opening round.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Liam:
You’d be silly to write off Podoroska who has history at Roland Garros having made the semi-final in 2020. However, that was in remarkably different conditions with colder Autumn conditions, meaning a lower bouncing ball traveling slightly slower through the air. In the warm weather forecasted Azarenka’s big-hitting style will thrive. She won’t find it easy but she’ll book a place in the second round.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports