With three of the greatest players set to be in action and five other intriguing third-round matches also on the schedule, there looks certain to be plenty of entertainment for the fans of day seven at the French Open. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Novak Djokovic vs Ricardas Berankis. But who will book their place in the last 16?
French Open Day 7 Predictions
Roger Federer vs Dominik Koepfer
Jim: Roger Federer has made a fine start to his campaign in Paris, but he would do well not to underestimate Dominik Koepfer. The German is a very solid baseliner, with the power to step in and dictate when he has time on the ball. What he lacks, however, is a serve that will reliably win him free points. That may well prove to be the difference here.
Prediction: Federer in 4
Yesh: Federer will get a decent challenge in this match, but after managing to find a way through Marin Cilic without too much trouble in the second round at the French Open, Federer should be able to push his way through the German as well.
Prediction: Federer in 3
Damian: Federer will be shaking off the rust with each passing day – against Denis Istomin, he was brilliant at disrupting rhythm, the clash with Cilic helped him to regain some match toughness. Someone like Koepfer will seriously test his stamina and that’s something he needs if he is to have a crack at Matteo Berrettini or Djokovic later in the tournament.
Prediction: Federer in 3
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Cameron Norrie vs Rafael Nadal
Jim: Cameron Norrie’s fine season has continued, with the Briton enjoying the best clay-court swing of his career by a distance. But he has struggled to contain Rafael Nadal in their previous meetings on hard courts. On a clay court, Norrie surely has no chance at all.
Prediction: Nadal in 3
Yesh: Nadal was actually challenged, a bit, by Richard Gasquet in the second round. Norrie has been amazing on clay this year, and he might put up a fight. Ultimately, though, the talent difference is just too much.
Prediction: Nadal in 3
Damian: Norrie has made brilliant improvements of late, but let’s not kid ourselves. To eliminate Nadal at Roland Garros you just need to have a certain set of weapons, you’re not just going to out-rally the Spaniard and deal with his crazy topspin. Norrie’s attacking arsenal is a bit too lacking for this.
Prediction: Nadal in 3
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Marco Cecchinato vs Lorenzo Musetti
Jim: It has been a breakthrough season for Lorenzo Musetti, who may be slightly behind his countryman Jannik Sinner on the development curve, but nonetheless clearly has a bright future. However, Marco Cecchinato has found some form of late and he is a hard man to stop when he is playing with confidence. Expect his greater fitness and experience to give him the edge over his teenaged countryman.
Prediction: Cecchinato in 5
Yesh: Cecchinato is a former semifinalist here who is finding his form. His younger compatriot, meanwhile, still isn’t consistent enough to be trusted in the later rounds and bigger matches. I’ll take age and experience over youth and talent, at least for now.
Prediction: Cecchinato in 4
Damian: This should aesthetically pleasing with two beautiful one-handed backhands and a lot of variety in the game styles of both Italians. Musetti has the potential to be a lot better than Cecchinato at one point but has this moment arrived just yet? The answer to this question isn’t clear yet, but surely it can’t be ruled out. A feast for the eyes..
Prediction: Musetti in 5
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Diego Schwartzman vs Philipp Kohlschreiber
Jim: In a tournament where the headlines have mostly been made by young stars on the rise, Philipp Kohlschreiber has been rolling back the years with wins over fellow veteran Fernando Verdasco and Australian Open semifinalist Aslan Karatsev. But Diego Schwartzman, after an unexpected slump in form, looks to be getting back to his best and should be able to grind down the German.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 4
Yesh: Schwartzman is playing a bit better this tournament than he has all season, but Kohlschreiber is rolling back the years this tournament. With the way the German is playing, he should be able to pull off another upset.
Prediction: Kohlschreiber in 4
Damian: What a story it would be if Kohlschreiber had a deep run here and managed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. His goal will be really tough to fulfil though, even if he’s clearly managed to come to Paris with new-found motivation. At some point, his physical preparation might be questioned though and there is barely anyone better at exposing such issues than Schwartzman.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 4
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