The French Open rolls on to day 3 where Novak Djokovic, the co-tournament favorite, will kick off his campaign against Mikael Ymer. Our panel of Steen Kirby and Damian Kust offer their predictions.
Novak Djokovic vs Mikael Ymer
Damian: Without many consistent weapons to hit through the court, Ymer shouldn’t get Djokovic in trouble here. The Serbian could struggle only if he has a really bad day at the office with a huge number of unforced errors. Djokovic in 3
Steen: Ymer is talented and young, but Novak Djokovic is a machine right now. Djokovic just isn’t losing matches this year and he’s extremely unlikely to lose this one. It should be a clinic for Djokovic and a learning experience for Ymer facing the world #1 in a slam. Djokovic in 3
Yasutaka Uchiyama vs Attila Balazs
Damian: This could go both ways, but Balazs seems to have a higher peak on clay. The Hungarian has a very effective serve out wide that should set up a lot of free points for him. Balazs in 4
Steen: Uchiyama doesn’t play much on clay, and it’s the better surface for Balazs. The Hungarian should be a comfortable favorite. Balazs in 3
Harold Mayot vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Damian: The Australian Open junior champion is a solid prospect but he’s just not there yet. Davidovich Fokina has been in great form and his unusual game will make Mayot confused. Davidovich Fokina in 4
Steen: The rising junior star Mayot hasn’t played much clay this year at the tour level while ADF qualified for Rome and has a lot more experience and a bigger game. Davidovich Fokina in 3
Henri Laaksonen vs Pablo Cuevas
Damian: The veteran should prevail, as he was in very decent form lately. He might be in the twilight of his career already, but clay brings out the artfulness of his game. Cuevas in 3
Steen: Cuevas is a solid and experienced clay court player. He’s not going to beat the game’s elite these days, but winning a match like this is still well within his current abilities. Cuevas in 4
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