WTA Rouen Day 1 Predictions Including McCartney Kessler vs Fiona Ferro

There are four matches on day one at the WTA Rouen Open and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all four matches, as well as all of the day one action in Stuttgart. But who will book their place in the second round in Normandy?

WTA Rouen Day 1 Predictions

Lucia Bronzetti vs Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah

Head-to-head: first meeting

Lucia Bronzetti is ranked more than 200 places ahead of her opponent, but she should not be complacent before this match. Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah reached a career-high ranking last week, and her best results have been on clay. Anything near Bronzetti’s best tennis would almost certainly be enough to win. However, the sets might be more competitive than many are anticipating.

Anhelina Kalinina vs Nao Hibino

Head-to-head: Hibino 1-0 Kalinina

The pair’s sole previous meeting was in 2015 on a hard court, meaning it has little bearing on this matchup. Anhelina Kalinina had a disappointing start to her clay court season against Caty McNally in Charleston. This should be an ideal match for her to gain some momentum. She is far more comfortable on clay than Nao Hibino, who has generally played her best tennis on hard courts but struggled to replicate that success elsewhere.

Prediction: Kalinina in 2

Elsa Jacquemot vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse

Head-to-head: first meeting

Elsa Jacquemot missed over two months after the Australian Open, returning at a pair of 125K tournaments. She only managed one victory across both events and was understandably rusty. Elena-Gabriela Ruse is inconsistent, but clay is her favourite surface. The Romanian’s formidable topspin forehand is most damaging on the surface. Jacquemot is probably not ready to face up to that challenge so soon after returning from her absence.

McCartney Kessler vs Fiona Ferro

Head-to-head: Kessler 1-0 Ferro

Despite Fiona Ferro’s lowly ranking, she can be very dangerous when her game clicks. This could be a challenging opening clay court match of 2025 for McCartney Kessler. The American is not as natural on the dirt as she is on hard courts. Kessler’s impressive level since breaking through by winning the event in Cleveland last August and her much superior ranking make her the favourite. It would not be surprising if Ferro got a set in front of her home fans, though.

Prediction: Kessler in 3