Grand Slams are action-packed from first serve to championship point. With the French Open women’s draw out, we can look at which first-round matches are the most exciting from the start./span>
1. Daria Kasatkina vs Zeynep Sonmez
After a tough start to the season, Daria Kasatkina has found some form on the clay courts, winning a WTA 125 and reaching the quarterfinals of Strasbourg. A former French Open semifinalist, Kasatkina has potential for a good run but her first-round opponent, Zeynep Sonmez, is far from an easy out. Sonmez has been slowly climbing up the rankings this year and is coming into her own on the WTA Tour. Kasatkina is far more experienced, but Sonmez is still something of an unknown quantity on Tour and certainly could challenge Kasatkina. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if this match went to three long sets, punctuated by extended rallies.
2. (17) Iva Jovic vs Alexandra Eala
In the first meeting between two up-and-coming stars, Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala will face off for a spot in the second round. This matchup was instantly the standout in the draw, with both players on the rise and rapidly improving. All of Jovic’s losses on clay this year have been close three-setters, and she has become a consistent presence in the list of seeds. Eala’s recent results haven’t been as strong and she just missed out on seeding, but that could be a blessing in disguise in alleviating some pressure. These two players know each other well, another factor that adds to the match’s intrigue, and both possess similar gamestyles.
3. (4) Coco Gauff vs Taylor Townsend
Defending champion Coco Gauff has her work cut out for her from the get-go as she takes on Taylor Townsend in the first round. While Townsend’s singles results haven’t progressed past early rounds lately, she’s been on a tear in doubles and can always raise her level on the singles court, providing a tough test for Gauff. Gauff is coming off a tumultuous run to the final in Rome and has shown that she can pull through the toughest of matches, an asset she may need in her opening round. Gauff has never successfully defended a big title, though, and starting off with a straightforward win is an important step forward. She should be able to close this out, but Townsend is far from a comfortable opponent.