The start of the men’s third round at Roland Garros means we st art seeing some seeded players facing off against each other, highlighted by Grigor Dimitrov vs Spanish clay courter Pablo Carreno Busta. David Goffin and Dominic Thiem also look to extend their winning streaks, while Lucas Pouille is one of the remaining French players left in the draw. Steen Kirby and Niall Clarke offer their previews, with predictions.
(11)Grigor Dimitrov vs. (20)Pablo Carreno Busta
Steen: Dimitrov leads the h2h 3-1, but PCB has their most recent match win and that came on clay. After a solid season, PCB is looking to build up his slam results, while Dimitrov hasn’t dropped a set and may be rounding into form at just the right time after a miserable showing in recent months. I picked PCB at the start of the tournament to win this, and I’ll back him again, despite Dimitrov proving he’s not an easy out. Carreno Busta in 5
Niall: Carreno Busta is the more natural clay courter of the two, but Dimitrov is the one with the bigger weapons. If the Bulgarian served well he probably wins this match, if he does not it will likely go the way of the Spaniard. It is a toss up, but I am going with Carreno Busta. Carreno Busta in 5
(17)Roberto Bautista Agut vs. Jiri Vesely
Steen: RBA has a 2-0 h2h edge and he’s looked better both this clay court season, and this tournament, despite dropping a pair of sets. Vesely is a tough customer and he has enough power in his game to bother RBA, but the Spaniard relies on consistency and should have enough of that to get through. Bautista Agut in 4
Niall: Vesely is a very handy clay courter so this will be a tough match for Bautista-Agut. I can see it going four or five sets, but I favour the more experienced Bautista-Agut to win the bigger points and the match. Bautista Agut in 4
(6)Dominic Thiem vs. (25)Steve Johnson
Steen: Thiem hasn’t dropped a set this tournament, and after a strong clay season he should honestly be blitzing past Johnson, who has played some long matches to reach the third round. Johnson deserves Thiem’s respect, but the Austrian dropping a set would surprise me. Thiem in 3
Niall: It was an emotional win for Johnson against Coric, but Thiem is a much tougher proposition. The Austrian is in good form and I can not see him losing this match, especially on clay which is his best surface. Thiem in 3
(10)David Goffin vs. Horacio Zeballos
Steen: Goffin’s 4-1 h2h edge and solid 6-0 record in sets in Paris through two rounds should mean he will enter this match with plenty of confidence. Zeballos can’t be discounted, but he hasn’t had to upset anyone to reach the third round. Goffin’s game should be too much. Goffin in 3
Niall: Zeballos is a good clay courter and a leftie which makes things quite difficult for Goffin. But I can not see the Belgian losing this match. A set? Yeah, but I feel the higher ranked player will go through. Goffin in 4
(16)Lucas Pouille vs. (19)Albert Ramos
Steen: Ramos beat Pouille this year in Monte Carlo and also has one other h2h win (2-1 overall). Both players had easy second round wins, and Pouille will have home support. Ramos spin is difficult to deal with, but Pouille has weapons and the home fans should inspire his best tennis, especially with the likes of Tsonga and Simon already out of the tournament. Pouille in 4
Niall: This is a very tough match to call. Ramos is a handful but Pouille is the one with the match on his racket. The Frenchman has more weapons to hurt his opponent, but the pressure of playing in front of a home crowd and Ramos game could get to him. That said, I am predicting a long one but Pouille to advance. Pouille in 5
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