French Open Day 3 Predictions Including Gauff vs Townsend

The first round of the French Open concludes on Day 3 as 20 more women’s matches take the grounds of Roland Garros. Among them, an all-American showdown between Coco Gauff and Taylor Townsend hits Philippe-Chatrier. Nurein Ahmed, Yesh Ginsburg, and Shane Black offer their insights. But who will advance?

French Open Women’s Day 3 Predictions

Iva Jovic vs Alexandra Eala

Zain

Both these players have been among the more looked-at and hyped prospects coming onto the tour in the past year or so. Alexandra Eala’s counterpunching can make this tricky for Iva Jovic, despite Eala not being the most comfortable on clay. And with this match likely to come down to the pressure points, that will be an important factor, as I expect Jovic’s more consistent hitting and willingness to make the match physical to ultimately pay off.

Prediction: Jovic in 3

Yesh

This matchup could define tennis for a generation. Two breakout young stars, both already building massive fan followings. The correct winner of this matchup is the sport of tennis. Eala is a little more polished in the big moments so far, but not by much.

Prediction: Eala in 3

Shane

Are you having fun yet? This French Open battle will give us a look into the future of women’s tennis. This match will have among the most eyeballs of any to take the clay on Tuesday. This is truly a toss-up, but I trust Jovic just slightly more from the back of the court.

Prediction: Jovic in 3

Dalma Galfi vs Mayar Sherif

Zain

These players have played three times on clay already, with Mayar Sherif winning every encounter. But it is Dalma Galfi who enters this match in better form and should look to progress to the next round. Ultimately, this match should be closely contested, and while I was initially leaning towards the Hungarian here, Sherif’s level in the qualifying round was solid enough for me to think she edges out a close one here.

Prediction: Sherif in 3

Yesh

Neither of these players have looked great on clay this season, both of them earning some bad losses in smaller events. Sherif got to build some rhythm with a good qualifying run, which might make the difference.

Prediction: Sherif in 3

Shane

Another toss-up, but for a different reason. Given their current forms, it is hard to trust Galfi or Sherif at this French Open. That said, Sherif has dominated this head-to-head and comes in with some confidence after advancing through qualies.

Prediction: Sherif in 3

Elena Pridankina vs Oleksandra Oliynykova

Zain

Ranked outside the top 200, Elena Pridankina has done well at the French Open to make the main draw, showing a good level during qualifying. But it is likely that her run comes to an end here against Oleksandra Oliynykova, whose heavy defensive and topspin game is made for slower clay courts.

Prediction: Oliynykova in 2

Yesh

Oliynykova has been a revelation this season, coming out of the lower tiers (at the age of 25) to suddenly be a serious Tour-level contender. Assuming she’s healthy (she retired early in her last match less than a week ago), she should be the far better player.

Prediction: Oliynykova in 2

Shane

Pridankina made a name for herself in qualifying and could very well test the clay-court specialist in Oliynykova. The 25-year-old Ukrainian has really come into her own this season and, in my mind, is a dark horse to make a second-week run. She escapes a tricky Round 1 encounter.

Prediction: Oliynykova in 3

Coco Gauff vs Taylor Townsend

Zain

This all-American clash pits last year’s champion Coco Gauff up against Taylor Townsend, who is more known for her doubles play. And while, given the familiarity both players have with each other, this can be a fun contest, it is one that ultimately Gauff should win rather comfortably.

Prediction: Gauff in 2

Yesh

Taylor Townsend is a tough matchup for anyone. When she’s hitting solid approaches, her net-rushing game takes away rhythm from her opponents. That’s a bad matchup for the defending champion, who can find her rhythm disrupted way too often, even against more standard opponents. Give me the upset here.

Prediction: Townsend in 3

Shane

These two Americans know each other very well. There will be no surprises when they step on court at the French Open on Tuesday. Townsend is very upset-minded, and Gauff has been prone to upsets. Watch Gauff’s serve early; if it’s an issue, we could see her bow out in Round 1. However, I expect the young American to find a way to advance at one of her best tournaments.

Prediction: Gauff in 3

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – Imagn Images