Veteran talent Fabio Fognini and a relative newcomer, qualifier Nuno Borges take to the court on day 1 of the French Open. Our panelists have predictions for every day 1 match in Paris.
Nuno Borges vs Karen Khachanov
Steen Kirby: Borges had a nice run in qualifying and he’s a capable player on clay, Khachanov was a semifinalist in Belgrade. I expect Borges to challenge the former top 10 player Khachanov before coming up short over the best of five format. Khachanov in 5
Yesh Ginsburg: Borges was a standout in college who is finding his form in the pros now. He’s a solid player who can pull an upset on the right day, and Khachanov looks vulnerable. Still, the Russian has overwhelming firepower when he needs, so I think he’s the safe choice here. Khachanov in 4
Fabio Fogini vs Alexei Popyrin
Steen: Fognini has been struggling but he won the only meeting between these players and was a semifinalist in Belgrade, and prior to that, Rio on the clay. Popyrin won the Bordeaux challenger on clay and is aiming for an upset, Fognini knows how to grind out Grand Slam match wins though if he can maintain his focus. Fognini in 5
Yesh: Fognini is as mercurial as ever, but his talent hasn’t diminished in the slightest. He usually finds a way to stay locked in at big clay evnets, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt to start here. Fognini in 3
Tallon Griekspoor vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Steen: Davidovich Fokina was a finalist in Monte Carlo, consistency has not been his strong suit though. Griekspoor is an underdog coming off the quarterfinals in Geneva. I expect him to contend for a set or more, but Davidovich Fokina has a bigger game and that should win the day. Davidovich Fokina in 3
Yesh: Davidovich Fokina is great on clay and quickly becoming a top player. He’s not yet consistent, but he’s more than good enough that this match shouldn’t pose any challenge at all. Davidovich Fokina in 3
Camilo Ugo Carabelli vs Aslan Karatsev
Steen: Carabelli won a challenger title in Buenos Aires on clay and is a bit of a surprise packet qualifier here, Karatsev has struggled this season, and especially struggled on clay. A longtime journeyman who broke through to the tour level in the last two years, Karatsev looks vulnerable to an upset here as he doesn’t enjoy this surface. Carabelli in 4
Yesh: What a difference a year makes. Last year, Karatsev was a rising star with no limit. Now, he’s struggling and looks headed back to where he was a few years ago. Carabelli is solid and will likely want to make a statement at a Major here. This is a good place to start. Carabelli in 3
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