Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov are two of the big names in action on day 5 of the 2020 French Open. Our panel of Damian Kust and Andrew Watson offer their predictions.
Novak Djokovic vs Ricardas Berankis
Damian: It’s early to make any huge judgments here but Djokovic is certainly looking as maybe even the favorite for the title at this point in time. Berankis made him work for the win when they played at the Western & Southern Open last month but I don’t see how he beats him on a slower surface. Djokovic in 3
Andrew: Djokovic showed some ruthlessness in the first couple of sets vs Mikael Ymer and it seems as though he wants to send a message to Thiem & Nadal on the other side of the draw. Berankis will be a tougher opponent, but expect Djokovic to continue his ruthless ways. Djokovic in 3
Andrej Martin vs Grigor Dimitrov
Damian: This most certainly doesn’t have to be as easy as many expect. Dimitrov’s clay-court game is often a mess and while with relatively little big stage experience, Martin is known for his ability to play on this surface. The Bulgarian’s superior play behind his serve might give him enough free points to pull through. Dimitrov in 4
Andrew: Both men produced straight sets victories in round one so will be tuned up for this. Dimitrov carries the greater level of form into the match with victories over Sinner & Nishioka, compared to the likes of Chardy & Galan for Martin. The Bulgarian seed should progress again here. Dimitrov in 3
Marton Fucsovics vs Albert Ramos
Damian: Can the Hungarian back up the huge upset over Medvedev? Ramos’ best days are most certainly over and if he decides to get involved in long baseline rallies with Fucsovics, I’m not sure he has what it would take to prevail. Fucsovics in 4
Andrew: The Hungarian #1 shocked Daniil Medvedev in round one, but that wouldn’t have been a massive shock to him. He would have been confident to take down the Russian and in a way this test is tougher. Ramos is a renowned clay court expert and indeed the Spaniard won their last encounter on clay in Kitzbuhel last year. However, Fucsovics thrashed Ramos on clay in Geneva the previous year so this could go either way. I will just edge toward the Hungarian as his greater power may prove the difference in these conditions. Fucsovics in 5
Nikola Milojevic vs Aljaz Bedene
Damian: Despite him playing really well in the qualifying, not many expected Nikola Milojevic to stand a chance against Filip Krajinovic in the opening round. His maiden Grand Slam main draw run should end here though. Bedene played some great stuff on hard courts in the past year or so but there was a time in his career when he was pretty much a clay-court specialist. Bedene in 4
Andrew: The Serb upset his fellow countryman Krajinovic in the opening round and has in fact had to battle in all of his French Open matches having lost a set in each. Bedene came into this tournament in a horrid run of form and with little match practise on clay. His win over Rinderknech in the first round will have reassured him somewhat but I prefer Milojevic’s form and will give the Serb the edge here. Milojevic in 5
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