Gilles Simon could see Pablo Carreno Busta end his career on day 3 of the French Open, Andrey Rublev is also taking to the court in round 1. Our panelists offer their predictions for every first round match at Roland Garros.
Andrey Rublev vs Soonwoo Kwon
Jack Edward: It wasn’t simple when they played in Dubai earlier this year but when Andrey Rublev got going, Soon-Woo Kwon could only defend so much. I can see Rublev having a chip on his shoulder after a middling clay season so I’m predicting him to come out hot. Rublev in 3
Yesh Ginsburg: Andrey Rublev will come out absolutely firing this tournament. That’s unfortunate for Soonwoo Kwon, who doesn’t love the clay anyway. Rublev in 3
Damian: Andrey Rublev has been very consistent in beating lower-ranked opponents this year with his only two “weaker” losses this year coming to Marin Cilic and Filip Krajinovic, both so dangerous on their day. The Russian should deliver here again, especially against an opponent who wouldn’t list clay as his favorite surface at all. Rublev in 3
Gilles Simon vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Jack: This will be Gilles Simon’s last French Open and for good reason. The former world #6 is far from his best in terms of movement and, on his worst surface, this will undoubtedly be exploited by Carreno Busta. No swan song for Simon I’m afraid. Carreno Busta in 3
Yesh: Gilles Simon is barely a shadow of the player he once was, and he has to face one of the most solid players in the world here. Ouch. Carreno Busta in 3
Damian: One of the biggest no-brainers of the opening round. Gilles Simon will be retiring at the end of this year and while he scored a clay win against Pablo Carreno Busta five years ago, it’s always been his weakest surface. The flat trajectory of his strokes doesn’t suit it and the Frenchman is way past his best, giving Carreno Busta a very easy matchup. Carreno Busta in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Bjorn Fratangelo
Jack: Whilst Bjorn Fratangelo is a solid player, his backhand in particular a sturdy shot, Jannik Sinner trumps the American in every possible category. Fratangelo could maybe hang with the youngster for the best part of a set but the gulf in quality should be too much. Sinner in 3
Yesh: Jannik Sinner looked like a potential French Open champion back in 2020. He hasn’t been as elite since, but that level will return, and someday soon. Sinner in 3
Damian: Bjorn Fratangelo is an underrated clay-courter, mostly due to his forehand being able to move the ball around the court extremely well. The American might lack the X factor to really put pressure on his opponent here though as the aforementioned weapon of his isn’t that threatening in terms of the power. Jannik Sinner has won at least two matches in all his events this year and he should keep up this streak. Sinner in 3
Chun-Hsin Tseng vs Joao Sousa
Jack: Chun-Hsin Tseng has got a decent chance here. The former junior world #1 is growing in confidence with each passing tournament and Joao Sousa could very well be tired after a run to the final in Geneva. There is no way it would be routine but I could see Tseng scraping the win. Tseng in 5
Yesh: Sousa has been very solid recently. Expect that to continue into a respectable performance at a Major. Sousa in 3
Damian: Chun-Hsin Tseng’s ability to overcome his physical limitations at the ATP Tour level is still a bit doubtful, but this isn’t a matchup that will expose him instantly. Joao Sousa has just finished runner-up in Geneva, but he might be physically drained from that one and doesn’t quite have the power to really punish Tseng. If the Taiwanese can drag him into plenty of lengthy rallies, he can take this. Tseng in 5
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