As long as rain doesn’t disrupt play, the men’s opening round matches at the French Open should complete on Tuesday, the third day of play. Our panel of Steen Kirby, Yesh Ginsburg, and Brett Margolies offer up their previews, with predictions of the best matches on the day including Canadian Denis Shapovalov in action.
Aljaz Bedene vs. Pablo Cuevas
Yesh: This might not be the best of matches, but Cuevas is the better player and is currently in better form. Cuevas in 3
Steen: A toss-up match, Cuevas is more accomplished but Bedene’s form looks a bit better to me. I’ll back Bedene to edge this in a battle. Bedene in 5
Brett: This is a big opportunity for both of these players who are each having average seasons at the moment. They both play well on clay, but I’d give the edge to Cuevas. Cuevas in 5
Fabio Fognini vs. Pablo Andujar
Yesh: You never know what you’re going to get with Fabio Fognini, but he has seemed more consistent recently, especially on clay. It’s anyone’s guess how long that will last in this tournament, but he should get through at least this match. Fognini in 4
Steen: Fognini is never easy to predict, but Andujar is in the twilight of his career and he’s playing an opponent who is more accomplished on clay, which is the Spaniard’s best surface to begin with. As long as Fognini is (somewhat) focused he’ll win. Fognini in 3
Brett: Fognini’s had his fair share of dramatic matches at Roland Garros. I don’t think Andujar has enough to hurt him though. Fognini plays similar to Andujar but just does everything a little better. Fognini in 3
Hubert Hurkacz vs. Tennys Sandgren
Yesh: Tennys Sandgren is in his first Grand Slam since his controversial Australian Open run. How will the potential media attention with another deep Slam run weigh on his mind? He’s the better player in this match, but he also has far more pressure on him. Sandgren in 3
Steen: The Pole has a future, but the American is in the form of his life and he’s played well enough on clay to suggest he’ll continue a career best season and earn a big win here. Sandgren in 4
Brett: 21-year-old Hubert Hurkacz has spent most of his young career on the challenger tour. He’s a big hitter that’s tough to beat when he’s on. Sandgren likes playing on clay, but I think Hurkacz is more in form at the moment after qualifying and that should help in this match. Hurkacz in 4
Denis Shapovalov vs. John Millman
Yesh: What an unfortunate draw for John Millman. The Aussie has real potential to cause lots of problems for top players in the future, but against Shapovalov on clay is not the place for him to pull an upset. Shapovalov in 4
Steen: Millman has played well on clay this year, but Shapovalov should be a step above, I’d expect the Aussie to start well but fade late. Shapovalov in 4
Brett: Denis Shapovalov has been a popular pick as a potential darkhorse to make a run. He’s played well leading up to this including a semifinals appearance in Madrid. Millman will be a tough out as he’ll make Shapovalov work for every point, but Shapovalov just has too much talent. Shapovalov in 5
Jeremy Chardy vs. Tomas Berdych
Yesh: These are two very talented players who are both past their primes somewhat. Berdych needs to re-find the form that made him a Grand Slam finalist in the past. This match could come down to the weather, though. The drier the conditions, the better it will be for Berdych. Berdych in 5
Steen: Berdych is in terrible form but I’m not sure Chardy is the player to beat him. I don’t expect either player to go that far, but I’ll back the more accomplished Czech here. Berdych in 5
Brett: It’s hard to pick Tomas Berdych right now. He hasn’t won a match since the Miami Open and is winless on clay heading into his first-round match. (0-3) The matchup against Chardy happens to be favorable for Berdych; he’s 5-0 H2H against the Frenchman. The home crowd should help Chardy against Berdych who has 0 confidence right now. Chardy in 4
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