The French Open rolls on to day 3, which features Denis Shapovalov vs Gilles Simon. The home player Simon looks to spring an upset. Our panel of Steen Kirby and Damian Kust offer their predictions.
Denis Shapovalov vs Gilles Simon
Damian: This seems like a blockbuster, but I’m not that convinced. Gilles Simon hasn’t been doing well lately and if Shapovalov brings some of that point construction and shot tolerance that saw him reach the semifinals in Rome, he should prevail. Shapovalov in 4
Steen: Simon is a massive underdog with the oddsmakers, and that feels a bit unfair. Shapovalov is the better player, and he’s favored to win, but Simon puts balls into play and will make Shapovalov work for it. If the Canadian shows up out of sorts, Simon has a gritty game style to take advantage. That’s possible, but remains unlikely. Shapovalov in 4
Lasjo Djere vs Kevin Anderson
Damian: Kevin Anderson is still struggling to get back to his best after the injuries and this isn’t an easy first round matchup. Djere always seems to raise his level playing on clay and should do so again. Djere in 4
Steen: Anderson is a bigger name, but on clay Djere is favored. This surface will weaken Anderson’s potent serve, and Djere should keep the ball in play and grind out a win. Djere in 5
Lloyd Harris vs Alexei Popyrin
Damian: The South African retired in the semifinal of the Forli Challenger last week but it didn’t look like something really serious. He has the power to dictate the play in these slower conditions and should prevail if he’s 100% fit. Harris in 4
Steen: Harris has a h2h win and better form on his side. neither player is a world beater but the South African continues to improve his stock. Harris in 5
Hugo Dellien vs Ricardas Berankis
Damian: While Hugo Dellien is not the player he was last year, his court coverage and solid topspin groundstrokes are allowing him to be a pretty great clay-courter. The same can’t be said about Berankis. Dellien in 4
Steen: Berankis is woeful on clay, he’ll be happy to be in the main draw, but anything less than a rather routine win for Dellien would be a surprise. Dellien in 3
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