Day 2 at the French Open features an all-American battle between Frances Tiafoe and Sam Querrey and former champion Stan Wawrinka hoping to stave off an opening round upset. Our panel of Steen Kirby, Brett Margolies, and Nurein Ahmed go through the 5 best matchups of Monday and offer their predictions.
Frances Tiafoe vs. Sam Querrey
Steen: Querrey has struggled on clay this year, while Tiafoe has posted some meaningful results. The young American is coming into his own and looks set to beat his veteran countryman, perhaps with ease. Tiafoe in 4
Brett: Even though Frances Tiafoe hasn’t won a main draw match at Roland Garros clay suits his game well. Querrey has been trending in the wrong direction as of late and hasn’t won a match on clay this year. I don’t think Tiafoe should have any problem here. Tiafoe in 3
Nurein: The battle of two Americans with contrasting results of late. Tiafoe has won a title this year and reached the finals of Estoril Open. Sam Querrey meanwhile has struggled to string two wins on the bounce since Indian Wells. This is also Sam Querrey’s worst major in terms of results. I think Tiafoe will win this. Tiafoe in 4
Stan Wawrinka vs. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez
Steen: Wawrinka is in poor form and Garcia-Lopez has beaten him before, but on clay Wawrinka should still be just good enough to get past GGL. The Spaniard is a shell of his former self and his form doesn’t indicate he can deal with the pressure of facing a former RG champion. Wawrinka in 5
Brett: Stan Wawrinka’s comeback hasn’t gone well so far, but he seems to play his best at big tournaments. He leads the H2H against Garcia-Lopez 9-3, but Garcia-Lopez defeated Wawrinka at Roland Garros in 2014. I think Stan will get off to a slow start but ultimately play better throughout the match. Wawrinka in 4
Nurein: It is fair to say Stan Wawrinka is not ready. He is defending a lot of points this tournament and defeat here could send him tumbling down the rankings even more. Garcia-Lopez was one tie-break away from knocking out Dominic Thiem out of Lyon last week and he is in much better shape than his opponent. I don’t think a Wawrinka loss should be termed as an upset here given his troubles with injury. Garcia-Lopez in 4
Cam Norrie vs. Peter Gojowczyk
Steen: Norrie has been playing well on clay for a Brit but Gojowczyk is also solid on the surface and they are both coming off recent success on clay at the 250 level. Fatigue should be a factor for the German so I’ll go with Norrie. Norrie in 4
Brett: Cameron Norrie had his first clay success last week in Lyon reaching the semifinals. Gojowczyk also made a run reaching the finals before falling to Marton Fucsovics. Gojowczyk looked exhausted, and the quick turnaround won’t help him. Norrie in 5
Nurein: This is a big occasion for both players. Their first main draw match at the French Open. Matches like these are hard to call and whoever handles the occasion well wins it. I will lean on ths side of the German. Gojowczyk in 5
Andreas Seppi vs. Richard Gasquet
Steen: Gasquet in Paris should have a clear edge in this one, presuming he’s fit. Seppi can battle, but he doesn’t have the weapons to overcome his fellow veteran in this contest. Gasquet in 3
Brett: Richard Gasquet must be eager to get back on the court in Paris after having to retire in the round of 32 last year against Gael Monfils. This matchup has given Gasquet no problems in the past, and don’t think it’ll be any different tomorrow. Gasquet in 3
Nurein: This has been one of the most one-side duel. Gasquet owns Seppi, and I can see that continuing. The Frenchman has struggled with injury in the last month but declared himself fit and ready. And with the support of the home crowd he should beat Seppi. Gasquet in 4
Borna Coric vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber
Steen: Coric has the talent to win this, but I’m not convinced of his form. Kohlschreiber is solid on clay and has the experience to get through this one, though a five setter would likely go against him. Kohlschreiber in 4
Brett: The last time Borna Coric was in action he had to retire a couple games in against Tsitsipas in Rome. All signs look like he’s ready to go, and will have to be 100% from the start against the German veteran Phillip Kohlschreiber. Coric in 4
Nurein: Goodness knows how Kohlscreiber’s legs look like at the moment. He was gassed out during the Rome Masters when he lost to Nishikori. Coric on the other hand retired midway through the first set while playing Tsitsipas at the same event. This begs the question whether both these players are 100% and raring to go. Coric has played some really good tennis this year but his performances in major continue to disappoint. He lost to John Millman in Australia for instance this year. I think this could be a 5 stter and I would stick with the German to get the things done. Kohlschreiber in 5
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