Shotmakers Borna Coric, Alexander Zverev, and Fabio Fognini are in action on day 7 of the French Open. David Gertler and Steen Kirby offer their predictions, and we also have predictions for matches featuring Dominic Thiem and Juan Martin Del Potro.
Borna Coric vs Jan-Lennard Struff
David: A good defense vs offense battle takes place as Borna Coric plays Jan-Lennard Struff. Borna Coric is very good on clay, and is able to counterpunch very well on the surface. Struff’s game involves a big serve and powerful groundstrokes. Both of these players have had very successful clay court seasons and have started well in this tournament. The Croation has won the only meeting on clay in straight sets, and he will frustrate Struff with how many balls he can get back on this surface. Coric wins. Coric in 4
Steen: Struff has put together a solid run so far but Coric has to be the favorite here. This is a great opportunity for him to reach the second week, benefiting from a relatively easy draw in the early stages. Coric has a bigger game and should prevail. Coric in 4
Fabio Fognini vs Roberto Bautista-Agut
David: It should be a fun battle, as Fabio Fognini takes on Roberto Bautista-Agut. Fognini has had a very successful recent run on clay, and just took out a very solid clay courter in Federico Delbonis in the previous round. His ability to hit so many different shots separates himself from many other players on the tour. Bautista-Agut has yet to drop a set this tournament, easily beating Stevie Johnson and Taylor Fritz. Bautista-Agut is ultra consistent and forces his opponents to consistently hit great shots to beat him. Fognini leads this head to head for a reason: his dynamic shot-making is often too much for Bautista-Agut to handle. Expect Fognini to beat Bautista-Agut again on Saturday. Fognini in 4
Steen: Bautista Agut has found some form here and his consistency has historically been better than Fognini, however, Fognini has had a better clay court season and on this surface he should be the favorite as long as he can maintain his focus and poise. Fognini in 4
Alexander Zverev vs Dusan Lajovic
David: A Roland Garros rematch takes place as Alexander Zverev takes on Dusan Lajovic. Last year, these two played a five-setter in the second round, which Zverev won. However, this year, Lajovic is playing at a higher level, and Zverev at a lower level. Even so, I really liked Zverev’s aggressive attitude he showed against Mikael Ymer, and think that will continue into this match. Zverev wins, barely. Zverev in 5
Steen: Lajovic will test Zverev, who rarely has it easy in Slam matches. There is little doubt the German is the better player in terms of raw ability though and Lajovic has faced a weak draw to make it this far. Fears of an upset are likely overstated as Zverev should prevail. Zverev in 4
Gael Monfils vs Antoine Hoang
Gael Monfils takes on Antoine Hoang in an all-French battle. Monfils has not dropped more than four games in a set so far this tournament, easily taking out Daniel and Mannarino. Monfils is so comfortable on the clay, defending very well, and turning defense into offense. Hoang has surprised many, beating Dzumhur and Verdasco. Hoang has had a great run to get to this point, but he won’t be able to hit through the Monfils defense. Monfils takes it. Monfils in 3
Steen: The unheralded Hoang is thrilled to be at this stage, however Monfils has to be thrilled to get such an easy draw in the early stages and he looks set to reach the second week. Monfils problem has always been his focus and his health, if he can maintain both he’s a real threat at this tournament, and he’ll always have home fan support. Monfils in 3
Main Photo:
