The French Open is set to commence, following last year’s exciting conclusion where Iga Swiatek triumphed over Jasmine Paolini to secure the championship. However, in this year’s tournament, Swiatek has faced challenges, making the competition appear quite open for potential upsets. Here’s a detailed look at some intriguing matchup previews and betting recommendations for the opening round of the WTA French Open.
In the first matchup, Olga Danilovic will compete against Leylah Fernandez at 16:30. The two have previously faced off once in a 2020 exhibition, with Fernandez claiming victory in a tightly contested battle. Although Fernandez is currently ranked higher, her performance this year has been inconsistent with a record of 12-12. In contrast, Danilovic has demonstrated stronger form with a 15-8 record, including a strong performance on clay with an 11-3 record this season. Given her recent success and form entering the tournament, Danilovic is favored to win, making her a solid value bet at odds of 1.75.
Next, Taylor Townsend will go head-to-head with Elisabetta Cocciaretto at 11:00. This match marks their first encounter, and both players boast impressive clay court records. Townsend currently holds a 117-49 career slate on clay, while Cocciaretto stands at 133-70. Despite Townsend’s recent winning streak, her overall performance has been inconsistent this season, making Cocciaretto a compelling option, especially after reaching the round of 16 at Roland-Garros last year. Cocciaretto, at odds of 2.12, presents an appealing value bet as well.
Finally, Iva Jovic faces Renata Zarazua at 15:00. The two players have met once before, with Zarazua winning that matchup in straight sets. Jovic has found success at the ITF level but has yet to achieve significant results in WTA tournaments. Zarazua, on the other hand, brings considerable experience and skill on clay courts, boasting a record of 225 wins against 130 losses on this surface. Given her experience and recent form, Zarazua is positioned as a strong value bet at odds of 2.05.
As the tournament unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling matches and potential surprises, especially with an unpredictable field. Each of these matchups showcases the unique talent and competition in women’s tennis, promising an engaging start to the French Open.