Women’s First Round Matches to Look Out For

The women’s draw is wide open and we expect a whole bunch of upsets as the very best can lose to a qualifier in the women’s section this time around.  Here’s a run down of first round women’s matches to watch as the French Open gets underway.

Kerber vs. Makarova

Head to head Kerber is in the lead 7-4, and easily outranks Makarova in stats. The last four times that they actually played each other, Kerber won. In their last encounter Makarova received a walkover. Both players are lefty, and both are the same age, but Kerber is known for her fitness and consistency. Kerber should have the upper hand physically. Overall, this match will depend on whether Makarova is able to pull an upset, which would only be possible if Makarova is able play some of her best tennis. Otherwise, it seems like Kerber should be able to win the match. The match is still something to watch out for. It’s not every day you get to see two left handed players compete against each other.

Conclusion:  Kerber in 3

Kuznetsova vs. Christina McHale

Christina leads the head to head 2-1. Kuznetsova has the upper hand in experience, although she could have a mental break down, especially during a tough first match.  McHale is also significantly younger than Kuznetsova and could have the physical advantage.  The most important aspect of this match up though, is the fact that McHale has been having a rough season, winning 2 out of 10 matches, and has only 1 win on clay. On the other hand Kuznetsova has won 6 of her last 9 matches on clay. McHale has an aggressive baseline topspin game, but doesn’t seem to have the same prowess that Kuznetsova has on clay. It will be interesting to see this baseline game go against Kuznetsova’s more all court game. If all goes well, Kuznetsova should be able to win this match.

Conclusion:  Kuznetsova in 3

Muguruza vs. Schiavone

Muguruza leads the head to head 2-1, and has won the last two matches that they played against each other on clay, although that did happen to be in 2016.  Season wise, Schiavone has had a stronger season on clay, losing only 2 of her last 10 matches on clay. On the flip side, these losses were the last two matches that Schiavone played. Muguruza has won 3 of the last 6 matches she has played on clay. Muguruza however, did manage to reach the quarterfinals at Rome, so she should be in decent form. If Muguruza is able to keep her game at a high level, she should be able to win the match. If she ends up playing erratically, the more consistent and clay-smart Schiavone may end up winning. Overall the match up is good, and the match itself should be intense.  This one is very tough to call as either could win.

Conclusion:  Muguruza in 3

Halep vs. Cepelova

The head to head is 1-1. The last match they played was in 2015, the 1st round of Wimbledon, with Cepelova causing the upset.  Halep has been having a pretty good clay season, but recently lost to Elina in the finals of Rome.  Cepelova has been having a decent season, but the most important variable in this match up will be whether Halep will be able to keep her cool when facing Cepelova’s strong counter punching game. On paper, Halep should be the victor, but the match will in no way be easy.  Cepelova will not lose this match, Halep will be forced to win it.

Conclusion:  Halep in 3