Former Grand Slam Champions Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka will face off on the opening day of the French Open. Our panel of Andrew Watson and Damian Kust offer their predictions for this exciting match and a number of others on the opening day of the tournament.
Stan Wawrinka vs Andy Murray
Andrew: When this match came out of the draw everyone had a reaction. It is an repeat of the infamous 2017 semifinal in which both players suffered, or aggravated, serious injuries that have defined the last couple of years in their career. Neither man is anywhere near their peak form but I give Murray an edge here. He can use his tactical nous to find a way through and hopefully the clay may help his hip. Murray in 4
Damian: The one everyone’s waiting for. Wawrinka has just parted ways with Magnus Norman, which says something about where he is right now, both game-wise and mentally. But this is best of 5 clay and I’m just not convinced Murray is good enough physically to survive these battles over a long distance. Wawrinka in 4
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Diego Schwartzman
Andrew: The Serb is high from winning in Kitzbuhel but Schwartzman will also be confident having produced one of his best performances to beat Nadal in Rome. Don’t expect the Argentine to have it all his own way but he should still progress here. Schwartzman in 3
Damian: This feels like a trap matchup for Schwartzman. Kecmanovic just won his maiden title in Kitzbuhel and Diego has never done much when he was expected to. If he channels some of that Rome magic he should prevail, but I don’t think it will be comfortable. Schwartzman in 5
Corentin Moutet vs Lorenzo Giustino
Andrew: The Frenchman produced a nice little run at the US Open and though he would prefer a greater home fan presence he could do well at Roland Garros as well. Giustino is a good player but he will have to produce his best to deal with the variety and skill of Moutet. Moutet in 3
Damian: Giustino scored a big upset over Maximilian Marterer in the qualifying event and got a pretty nice draw here. Moutet has a very unusual junkball-ish game though and I think his variety can lead him through. Would possibly be easier with a big crowd in attendance. Moutet in 4
Jordan Thompson vs Radu Albot
Andrew: Neither man would class clay as a good surface for them. In this case Thompson would have the edge for me because of his extra dynamism on serve and the ability to move forward. Thompson in 4
Damian: Both players don’t fancy clay and will be coming in relatively undercooked. Thompson did very well here last year though and his solid, yet unspectacular tennis should see him through. This might go the distance though. Thompson in 4
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