We are all set for tennis at the Paris Olympics as draw heats up fast, with 18 Women’s Singles matches on Day 1. As always, we here at LWOT will predict every match for you. We split the 18 women’s matches between five articles. In addition to this one, the other four feature Iga Swiatek vs Irina-Camelia Begu, Naomi Osaka vs Angelique Kerber, Bianca Andreescu vs Clara Tauson, and Danielle Collins vs Laura Siegemund. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Andreas Pelekis, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will keep their medal hopes alive?

As a special for the Olympics, we will also be predicting all of the other Day 1 matches, including doubles. We will link to our other Olympic predictions at the bottom of the article. Enjoy!

Paris Olympics Day 1 Women’s Predictions

Caroline Garcia (France) vs Jaqueline Cristian (Romania)

Jordan:
Both women play very aggressively and this will probably come down to who makes fewer unforced errors. Garcia is higher-ranked and will have the home crowd behind her, but playing in front of French crowds is something Garcia has found difficult in the past. Cristian played some decent tennis in the buildup to the games and she could pull off an upset here.
Prediction: Cristian in 3

Andreas:
This should be a tough match for Garcia; playing in front of a home crowd often causes Garcia to overhit and make many unforced errors. Cristian has a powerful forehand and beat the Wimbledon champion Barbara Krejcikova on clay this year. Picking the upset.
Prediction: Cristian in 2

Yesh:
Will the pressure get to Garcia? Sometimes it inspires her; sometimes it makes her collapse. If she is playing inspired tennis on her home courts, though, there’s basically no one who can absord her power.
Prediction: Garcia in 2

Nadia Podoroska (Argentina) vs Diane Parry (France)

Jordan:
Podoroska is a clay-court specialist, but she has struggled for form this year. Parry played well in Palermo in the run up to the Olympics and she is very good on clay at her best. I expect the Frenchwoman to make a good start in Paris.
Prediction: Parry in 2

Andreas:
This should be another intriguing encounter for fans to watch. Podoroska is on a six-match losing streak but did make the semifinals of the 2020 French Open. Meanwhile, Parry often struggles with pressure in big moments; in her recent loss to Naomi Osaka at Wimbledon, double faults were an issue. Expect the Frenchwoman to win in a close match.
Prediction: Parry in 3

Yesh:
Podoroska had a breakthrough a few years back, but she’s stalled since. She’s better than Parry, but the Frenchwoman will have some home crowd help.
Prediction: Parry in 3

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Emma Navarro (United States) vs Julia Grabher (Austria)

Jordan:
It is tough to see anything but a Navarro victory here. She has improved so much this year and her all-round game is a great fit for clay, as she showed during her run to the fourth-round at the French Open. Grabher does not possess the weapons to overcome Navarro.
Prediction: Navarro in 2

Andreas:
Navarro-Grabher
Navarro, the Wimbledon quarterfinalist, should favor her chances here against Grabher. While clay is Grabher’s best surface, she’s struggled with a wrist injury and is now outside the Top 300. Look for the American to reach the second round.
Prediction: Navarro in 2

Yesh:
Emma Navarro is in the midst of a breakout season. And while she’s done nothing particularly eye-grabbing, she’s not losing to anyone but the best in the game. And that’s not Grabher.
Prediction: Navarro in 2

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Karolina Muchova (Czech Republic) vs Leylah Fernanez (Canada)

Jordan:
Muchova’s run to the final in Palermo was impressive so soon after her return from a long injury. Fernandez did not have a great clay court season in April and May, but she is capable on the dirt at her best. However, I think Muchova’s variety matches up well against Fernandez, who likes to get into a rhythm on the court.
Prediction: Muchova in 3

Andreas:
This is certainly one of the best matchups of the women’s draw on Day 1. Muchova will have to counter Fernandez’s speed and power with her slice and variety. Fernandez, already competitive on the court, will surely be even more fired up when playing for Canada. With Muchova still getting used to the courts after an injury, look for Fernandez to win in an exciting encounter.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3

Yesh:
Is Muchova healthy? If she is, she’s nearly unbeatable—only Iga Swiatek beat her on the Parisian clay last year. If she’s not, then I’d expect Fernandez to move on.
Prediction: Muchova in 3

Other Olympic Predictions:

Men’s Singles Featuring Novak Djokovic vs Matthew Ebden
Men’s Singles Featuring Carlos Alcaraz vs Hedy Habib
Men’s Singles Featuring Daniil Medvedev vs Rinky Hijikata
Men’s Singles Featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Zizou Bergs
Men’s Doubles Featuring Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz vs Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni
Men’s Doubles Featuring Luciano Darderi and Lorenzo Musetti vs Nicolas Jarry and Alejandro Tabilo
Women’s Doubles Featuring Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula vs Daria Saville and Ellen Perez
Women’s Doubles Featuring Angelique Kerber and Laura Siegemund vs Katie Boulter and Heather Watson

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports