Roland Garros first round - WTA

The second slam of the year is here. Time to sleep very little and watch way too much tennis for two weeks. Sadly the best match of the first round, Rybakina vs Bencic was cancelled after Bencic withdrew with an injury. Nevertheless this year's women's first round has some interesting matchups, and one blockbuster still on the cards.

Clara Tauson vs Magda Linette

Tauson has slowed down after a torrid start to the year, but still she sometimes flashes that tremendous ceiling. She is one of my dark horses for the slam, however it's tough to have momentum in the first round. That's where Linette, as consistent as they come is a dangerous opponent. Clara can beat anyone when she's in form. Players in her quarter will be hoping Magda can send her home before she finds it.

Ons Jabeur vs Magdalena Frech

Oh how far the Tunisian legend has fallen. The knee injury that derailed Ons Jabeur's 2024 season has continued in the new year. She hasn't looked herself all year. The top 10 mainstay is now unseeded and will be playing against the 25th seed Frech, who might not be exciting as Ons but she's no pushover. It will be tricky for Ons to get by this one, but if she does and gets into a rhythm the rest of the field might be in trouble.

Naomi Osaka vs Paula Badosa

This one is easily the most compelling match of the first round in either tour. After coming ever so close to one of the biggest upset of the decade at last year's event when she had match point on Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka comes back, still unseeded and faces up against the world #10 Paula Badosa. Injury worries are circling Paula but she looked healthy in Strasbourg. If she's fully healthy this could be the best match of the round. Naomi has suffered too many heartbreakers since coming back on tour, maybe a win over a top 10 to start a slam is what she needs to remember who she is again.