By Tony Fairbairn
- Amanda Anisimova [25] v Naomi Osaka
- Rafael Nadal [5] v Jordan Thompson
- Stan Wawrinka v Corentin Moutet [WC]
PARIS, FRANCE – Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka’s blockbuster opening round clash headlines day two alongside the beginning of Rafael Nadal’s campaign for a 14th Roland Garros title as well as Stan Wawrinka’s return to Paris.
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Amanda Anisimova [25] v Naomi Osaka H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Amanda Anisimova [25] v Naomi Osaka | H2H: Anisimova leads 1-0 |
| Roland Garros 2022 | Paris, France |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €60,000 |
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Amanda Anisimova is in some form in 2022 having started her year with a title in Melbourne as well as reaching the second week at the Australian Open. After a mini-blip in February, Anisimova has won three or more matches at her last three tournaments which have all been on clay. Now the former semi-finalist looks to make a big statement in Paris and take this form to make a deep run into the latter stages of a grand slam and turn her superstar potential into reality.
First up for Anisimova is three-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka who hasn’t had the best preparation heading into one of her weakest grand slam events. Osaka suffered an early exit to Sara Sorribes Tormo in Madrid before withdrawing in Rome due to an Achilles injury. However on her day Osaka knows she can beat anyone on her day and will look to prove people wrong in Paris that she isn’t just a hard court specialist at the grand slams.
On any other surface this would be an epic and intriguing match just like their encounter in Melbourne was where Anisimova won in a last set tiebreak. However with Osaka’s physical limitations and Anisimova’s strong form on clay then there should be only one winner in this match. Osaka will be looking for a good performance to give her some confidence heading into the grass court season.
Prediction: Anisimova in straight sets.
Rafael Nadal [5] v Jordan Thompson H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Rafael Nadal [5] v Jordan Thompson | H2H: Nadal leads 1-0 |
| Roland Garros 2022 | Paris, France |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €60,000 |
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Uncertainty arises as Rafael Nadal starts his campaign for a 14th Roland Garros title and 22nd grand slam title. Nadal’s foot problems that hampered his progress in Rome are a concern heading into a tough draw in Paris which sees him have Novak Djokovic in his quarter and Carlos Alcaraz in his half. Despite this Nadal should never be ruled out especially in Paris where he has been so successful and his win at the Australian Open is proof that even as an outside contender, Nadal still delivers.
Before Nadal can think about the rest of his draw, the Spaniard needs to focus on Jordan Thompson first. The Australian doesn’t consider clay his best surface and the results this season would back that up having only picked up two wins from five clay court tournaments. The Australian will be looking forward to the grass court season and will look to pick up some confidence from Paris before he gets there.
This should be a comfortable opening round match from Nadal where the Spaniard can practice his returning accuracy and play his way into form against a player who feels uncomfortable on this surface. There will be tougher tests to come so Nadal will be determined to finish this match as soon as possible.
Prediction: Nadal in straight sets.
Stan Wawrinka v Corentin Moutet [WC] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Stan Wawrinka v Corentin Moutet [WC] | H2H: Moutet leads 1-0 |
| Roland Garros 2022 | Paris, France |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €60,000 |
| Second on Suzanne-Lenglen (11:30 BST) | Discovery+ Add-on via Amazon Prime
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It was a tricky start to his return to the tour but Stan Wawrinka finally seems to be finding some form after reaching the third round in Rome. Wawrinka’s backhand seems as deadly and clinical as before but the Swiss’s loss to Djokovic in the Italian capital showed that the Swiss still needs to gain some physicality before challenging at grand slams. Now Wawrinka looks to put his form and physique to the test in a best of five set format.
First up for Wawrinka is talented Frenchman Corentin Moutet who has dropped down the rankings after having injuries. Moutet had a strong start to the season in Australia before injuries halted his momentum and now the Frenchman has struggled for consistency and form. However the Frenchman is a threat on his day and will look to prove that once again at his home grand slam.
This is a tough match to call but Wawrinka’s form heading into this match gives him the slight edge with both players not having a massive amount of physical strength. However if Moutet can get his game going in front of a lively Parisian crowd then he always has a chance.
Prediction: Wawrinka in four sets.
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