WTA French Open: Key Matches and Betting Insights
The WTA French Open is in full swing, with the second day of first-round competition underway. The tournament, which started on Sunday, will conclude on Tuesday as the field narrows from 128 to 64 players. With so many matches and storylines unfolding, fans and bettors alike are eager to see which top seeds might face early exits and which underdogs could make a splash.
Here are three key matches to watch on Monday, along with expert betting tips.
Maria vs. Mertens – 5:00 EST
Head-to-Head: 0-2
Best Bet: Mertens -6.5 games @2.00 @Bet365
Tatjana Maria faces Elise Mertens in what promises to be a challenging match for the German veteran. Maria, ranked within the top 55, has struggled recently, posting a 4-6 record in her last 10 matches. Her most notable win came against Magda Linette, who hasn’t been at her best this season.
On the other hand, Mertens, though not playing her best tennis, has a better recent record, with six wins in her last 10 matches. She lost to Mirra Andreeva and Karolina Pliskova in her last two games, but she has shown more consistency against stronger opponents.
The markets have heavily favored Mertens, making a straight-set win a less attractive option. However, betting on Mertens to cover the 6.5-game spread offers better value. Given the hot weather in Paris and Maria’s age, it’s reasonable to expect Mertens to dominate this match.
Gibson vs. Putintseva – 5:00 EST
Head-to-Head: 0-1
Best Bet: Over 2.5 sets @2.65 @Unibet
Talia Gibson faces Yulia Putintseva in a match that could go either way. Both players are in poor form, with each having a 3-4 record in their last seven matches. Gibson lost to Aliaksandra Sasnovich, a player outside the top 100, at the Paris WTA 125 tournament, while Putintseva failed to advance past qualifying at Strasbourg.
With both players struggling, the safest bet is on over 2.5 sets. This type of bet offers a better return than backing either player to win a set. While Gibson +1.5 sets is available at 1.86, the better value lies in the over 2.5 sets market, where you can get odds of 2.65.
Kalinskaya vs. Boisson – 5:00 EST
Head-to-Head: 0-0
Best Bet: Kalinskaya 2:0 @2.40 @Unibet
Anna Kalinskaya, a top-25 seed at Roland Garros, takes on Lois Boisson, the surprise semifinalist from the 2025 French Open. Kalinskaya made a strong run in Rome, including a dramatic victory over Katerina Siniakova where she saved nine match points. She has chosen to rest rather than play additional tournaments before the French Open, which suggests she’s in good shape.
Boisson, meanwhile, is still recovering from a long injury layoff. She has played only five matches since returning and has won just one. Facing Kalinskaya, a confident and well-prepared opponent, will be a tough challenge for Boisson.
Kalinskaya should be able to secure a comfortable 2:0 victory, offering a solid return for those who back her. With odds of 2.40, this is a strong value bet.
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
