The opening round of a major is always tense, for players and fans alike. Here are some first round matches that have the potential to be of particular interest:
Zheng Qinwen vs. Alona Ostapenko
Ostapenko does better on slower courts, but--when she can exert some kind of control over her whack-the-rubber-off-the-ball instincts--she can be a fierce competitor on any surface. Zheng, if she can keep from being overpowered by Ostapenko, could make this match interesting.
Garbine Muguruza vs. Clara Tauson
"Which Garbine will show up?" is a question most of us are tired of asking. If you-know-who shows up, this has "upset" written all over it.
Emma Raducanu vs. Alize Cornet
Of all the unseeded players for the defending champion to draw in the first round, Cornet may be the last one she wants to see. The Frenchwoman, just off of a semifinal run in Cleveland, is playing very well, and is obviously enjoying the latter part of her career. Raducanu looked fantastic in her first two rounds in Cincinnati, dramatically knocking out both Serena Williams and Victoria Azareanka. She looked pretty good in the third round, too, but was defeated by Jessie Pegula. Raducanu will have her hands full with Cornet, and we are likely to see some quality tennis in this match.
Naomi Osaka vs. Danielle Collins
Osaka is trying to find her way back to form, and Collins--the 2022 Australian Open runner-up--will be a test.
Zhang Shuai vs. Jil Teichmann
Both of these players can be inconsistent, but their "ups" are notable; Shuai is probably favored at this time, but one never knows when Teichmann is going to rise to the occasion
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