Third round men’s action at the 2019 French Open will wrap up with Juan Martin Del Potro vs Jordan Thompson, along with Dominic Thiem, and Novak Djokovic seeking to secure their spots in week 2 of the tournament. Tracey Essex and Steen Kirby offer their predictions. We also have predictions for matches featuring Alexander Zverev and Gael Monfils.
Juan Martin Del Potro vs Jordan Thompson
Tracey: If it weren’t for injuries, del Potro would have been World #1, multi-Slam title holder. And, a healthy del Potro can take the racquet out of anyone’s hands with his pure unbridled power. His knee is cause for concern, acting up in his Nishioka victory. Delpo has already played nine sets in Paris, but if the knee holds up, he can take another five if needed. Against Australian Jordan Thompson, I think del Potro will only need three. Del Potro in 3
Steen: Del Potro’s form (and the health of his knee) wavered in his match against Nishioka in the last round. He remains a dangerous player in this draw though who is capable of beating anyone on his best day. The same can’t be said of Thompson, who will be thrilled to have made it this far on the clay when so many other Aussies have faltered early or didn’t play at all. Thompson is simply not as strong on this surface though and JMDP is the favorite. Del Potro in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Filip Krajinovic
Tracey: This should be a routine day at the office for Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek’s aggressive net play, sharp return of serve and solid first serve percentage puts him in the driver’s seat here. Skill alone tilt this match to the Greek. But, when you consider Krajinovic has spent more than seven hours on court for the first two matches, plus doubles play (now withdrawn), the Serb with be fighting fatigue as much as Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas in 3
Steen: Tsitsipas is playing excellent and he now gets an opponent in Krajinovic who is happy to be here but also likely to be exhausted. Barring a bad day at the office for the Greek #1 we’ll see him in the second week of the tournament. Tsitsipas in 3
Dominic Thiem vs Pablo Cuevas
Tracey: Since stepping on the French clay, Dominic Thiem has only 44 unforced errors. The Austrian’s clean ball striking and solid serve will allow him to knock anyone out of his way. While Pablo Cuevas is in good form, Thiem is the better play. And, while it will be a battle, Thiem will prevail. Thiem in 4
Steen: Cuevas is a capable and experienced clay courter who will test Thiem and could very well upset him. The Austrian cannot afford to take this match lightly and bring less than his best. With that said, these players are on different career trajectories with Thiem revving up his career and Cuevas winding down. Cuevas could turn back the clock for a match but Thiem should be favored. Thiem in 5
Novak Djokovic vs Salvatore Caruso
Tracey: Kudos to Salvatore Caruso for getting this far at the French Open. Adding to that accomplishment he was able to eliminate a Top 40 opponent to get here. He should be playing with the utmost confidence. But that confidence will quickly fade when he meets Novak Djokovic in the third round. The World #1 tends make minced meat out of inexperienced players on the big stage. You can expect a couple of wow! moments from the Italian. But, you can expect that Djokovic will bring in a straight sets win. Djokovic in 3
Steen: Djokovic will have to respect Caruso given this is a third round match, but he should be pleased to draw a lower level opponent at this stage. The Serbian superstar should ease into the second week and the main question is whether he’s challenged in any of the three sets. Djokovic in 3
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