Olaniyi AyoolaAt the 2025 French Open, the women’s singles draw features a compelling first-round match between Olga Danilovic and Leylah Fernandez, two rising stars with contrasting styles and recent trajectories.
Danilovic enters Roland Garros in strong form, having reached the fourth round of the Australian Open earlier this year, where she defeated top-10 player Jessica Pegula before falling to Paula Badosa. She also clinched the WTA 125 title in Antalya and was a finalist at the Rouen Open, achievements that propelled her into the top 35 rankings . Her aggressive left-handed play and recent success on clay courts, including a title at the 2024 Guangzhou Open, make her a formidable opponent .
Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist, has experienced a more inconsistent season. While she possesses a solid baseline game and notable Grand Slam experience, her recent performances have lacked the consistency needed to advance deep into tournaments. Her early exit at the 2023 French Open, where she lost in the second round to Clara Tauson, highlights her challenges on clay surfaces .
Given Danilovic’s current momentum and proven clay-court prowess, she appears to have the edge in this matchup. Her ability to dictate play with powerful groundstrokes and her recent victories over higher-ranked opponents suggest she is well-positioned to advance. While Fernandez’s tenacity and experience should not be underestimated, Danilovic’s form makes her a strong candidate for bettors seeking value in early-round matches at Roland Garros.
Olaniyi Ayoola
Musa
