Roger Federer’s return to the clay courts of the French Open was smooth and easy in round 1, in the second round he’ll face a fellow Grand Slam champion, Marin Cilic. We have predictions for all of the matches on Day 5, in three other articles. One features Novak Djokovic vs Pablo Cuevas, another headlines Rafael Nadal vs Richard Gasquet, and the final features Alex de Minaur vs Marco Cecchinato.
Marin Cilic vs Roger Federer
Damian Kust: Should be a much better test than Istomin, that’s for sure. Federer’s movement in defense will have to be extremely sharp here if he’s to keep up with Cilic’s one-two punches. It’s going to be dangerous but unless the Croat exhausts him, the 2009 champion should find a way. Federer in 4
Yesh Ginsburg: Roger Federer looked calm and cool in his first match. Cilic’s game has never really bothered him, so why would it start now? Federer in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Lloyd Harris
Damian: It’s been a ridiculously good season for Norrie, especially on a surface that he used to dislike in the past. Upsetting Sonego was big from the South African, but following it up against someone this solid might be next to impossible. Norrie in 4
Yesh: Cameron Norrie continues his incredible clay run this year. Harris is impressing as well, but the Brit should be solid enough. Norrie in 4
Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Carlos Alcaraz
Damian: Alcaraz has a very pleasant draw to make his fist deep run at a slam. Basilashvili can be a nightmare to play when he’s on, but the Spaniard probably has enough retrieving skills and the ability to turn defense into offence to make him hit the extra shot enough. Alcaraz in 4
Yesh: Alcaraz is perhaps a little overhyped for his young age, and he has the potential to put in terrible performances at times. Then again, no one puts in random poor performances more than his opponent. Alcaraz in 4
Jannik Sinner vs Gianluca Mager
Damian: Sinner’s fitness is under a question mark but this could be a bit easier than his opening round. Mager’s attacking, yet little bit one-dimensional tennis probably doesn’t put him into trouble as often as all of Herbert’s variety. Sinner in 4
Yesh: Jannik Sinner is not quite at his insane 2020 form this tournament, but the potential is there. He can be a real thread. Sinner in 3
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