Roger Federer continues his French Open return against Oscar Otte, while two exciting French players, Benoit Paire and Pierre-Hugues Herbert will battle on day 4 of RG. Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions and additionally we offer predictions for matches featuring Kei Nishikori and Rafael Nadal.
French Open Day 4 Men’s Predictions Including Pierre Hugues Herbert vs Benoit Paire
Roger Federer vs Oscar Otte
Yesh: Federer had an easy draw here regardless, but Otte probably has even less to trouble him with than Sonego did. Expect the Swiss to cruise. Federer in 3
Steen: A great opportunity for Otte to get experience at the Grand Slam level, but unless Federer suffers an injury he’ll cruise in this matchup. I expect Otte to get broken a number of times in the course of three routine sets. Federer in 3
Matteo Berrettini vs Casper Ruud
Yesh: This should be a great match between two rising youngsters, and the prize is almost certainly a meeting with Roger Federer. Federer will be rooting that these two wear each other out, and he may just get his wish. Berrettini in 5
Steen: Both players have significant ability on clay and are rising stars of the game. While Ruud has every shot to win this, the Italian Berrettini is a clear favorite given his stronger resume this year overall and on clay. Berrettini in 4
Alexei Popyrin vs Laslo Djere
Yesh: Popyrin is an impressive youngster–one of several rising Aussies–but Djere is way too underrated, especially on clay. This stays close early, but eventually the Serbian beats down his opponent. Djere in 4
Steen: The wild card Popyrin is happy to win a match here and will give his all but all things considered Djere looks to be the stronger player and should scrap his way into an impressive third round result. Djere in 4
Pierre-Hugues Herbert vs Benoit Paire
Yesh: This all-French matchup should be a good one. Benoit Paire has slowly and steadily improved his form, and he now is actually a strong challenger at this tournament. Paire in 4
Steen: Two underachievers, Herbert has been great in doubles but only shown flashes of his singles potential. Paire has the talent but mentally he’s a headcase who has struggled for consistency his entire career. In short this match could go either way, but Paire should be facing fatigue from his title in Lyon, setting Herbert up for a (slight) upset in an all French battle. Herbert in 5
Main Photo:
