With 16 second-round matches on the slate on day four at the French Open, there should be plenty of entertaining action in Paris. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Tommy Paul vs Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Pedro Martinez and Karen Khachanov vs Kei Nishikori. But who will come out on top?
French Open Day 4 Predictions
Fabio Fognini vs Marton Fucsovics
Jim: It has not been a particularly memorable season for Fabio Fognini, but the Italian looked very sharp in the first round against Gregoire Barrere, losing just nine games in a comprehensive win. If he can maintain that level, he should have just about enough to account for Marton Fucsovics, but expect this to be a close contest with the Hungarian not to be underestimated.
Prediction: Fognini in 4
Yesh: Which Fognini will show up? That’s always the question with the extremely talented but mercurial Italian. Fucsovics is consistent enough to make him work for it, but Fognini looks focused.
Prediction: Fognini in 4
Damian: Neither was tested in the opening round, which wasn’t too much of a surprise. In matchups like these I usually go with the more solid player and that undeniably is Fucsovics. But on clay, if Fognini is concentrated and utilises his shot-making abilities, his ceiling is just that much higher.
Prediction: Fognini in 4
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Thiago Monteiro vs Steve Johnson
Jim: Thiago Monteiro arrived in Paris in rather indifferent form, but the Brazilian was excellent in his first-round win over the lucky loser Francisco Cerundolo. Steve Johnson, meanwhile, scored a long overdue first win of the season against Frances Tiafoe. But the American is not much of a clay-courter and this should be relatively comfortable for Monteiro as a result.
Prediction: Monteiro in 3
Yesh: Johnson is happy in his new role as a father and, having broken his duck for the season, his solid game should be enough to overpower Thiago Monteiro, as long as he’s still fit.
Prediction: Johnson in 4
Damian: Johnson’s first win of the year came in the first round here, battling past Tiafoe from two-sets down, whilst Monteiro was really convincing in his dismissal of Cerundolo. The Brazilian was in the third round here last year and he has a great draw to repeat that feat.
Prediction: Monteiro in 4
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Reilly Opelka vs Jaume Munar
Jim: This will be a real test of Reilly Opelka’s clay-court credentials. The American can certainly play on the terre battue, demonstrating as much with his 6-3 6-2 6-4 win over Andrej Martin, but Jaume Munar will likely offer more resistance than the Slovakian did. Still, Opelka’s power should be able to punch enough holes in Munar’s defence to see him into the third round, even if only just.
Prediction: Opelka in 5
Yesh: Opelka was a monster on return (yes, you read that right) in the first round, brushing aside Martin in straight sets. He’s a real threat to just about anyone this tournament and that includes Munar.
Prediction: Opelka in 3
Damian: The big-serving American in a destructive mood returning Martin’s second serve and Munar’s delivery isn’t that much more powerful. The Spaniard is an expert grinder though and this could really go both ways, probably depending on how well Opelka punishes shorter balls. He seems to be in really good shape right now though.
Prediction: Opelka in 5
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Roberto Bautista Agut vs Henri Laaksonen
Jim: Henri Laaksonen has not always made the most of his talent, but the Swiss has had a good week in Paris, coming through the qualifying before beating Yannick Hanfmann in four sets. But it is hard to see him getting past Roberto Bautista Agut. The Spaniard may not be at his best on the clay, but he is a formidable opponent whatever surface he plays on and looks to be getting back to his best.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3
Yesh: Bautista Agut won’t win the title, but he’s in solid form after a below-par start to the season and he should be a threat to reach the second week. Laaksonen’s game can’t handle his.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3
Damian: This is the second qualifier in a row Bautista Agut is facing and his draw could allow him to make a deep run here. Laaksonen is playing well but he’ll probably a bit out of depth here, even if clay probably gives him the best shot at the Spaniard.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 4
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