Sunday at the French Open is opening the show with some exciting match-ups, including a French derby and Hubert Hurkacz facing off with David Goffin. As always, we here at LWOT will preview and predict every match. Who do you think will be victorious on Day 1?
French Open Day 1 Predictions
Marton Fucsovics vs Hugo Grenier
Jim Smith: Hugo Grenier will have the crowd right behind him, but this looks like a big ask for the Frenchman. Marton Fucsovics may not do anything spectacularly, but he does do a lot of things well. Expect him to grind Grenier down.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 3
Damian Kust: Marton Fucsovics keeps showing us his bizarre ability to play up to the level of anyone, but also play down to the level of opponents he should be taking out. Will that matter when he’s facing Hugo Grenier on clay? Probably not, but keep in mind things are rarely uncomplicated for the Hungarian.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 4
Jakub Bobro: Grenier is probably the most out-of-form French wild card in the draw, losing his last three matches and failing to win a set against Ugo Blanchet in Lyon qualifying last time out. Fucsovics lost to Baez in straight sets in Lyon but his clay level is higher and should win him the match.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 4
Patrick Kypson vs Radu Albot
Jim: This is a real opportunity for Patrick Kypson to book his place in the second round at a Major – in just his second match at this level. But although Radu Albot’s powers on the wane, he demonstrated in the qualifying that he is still a difficult man to beat. His considerable experience might just give him a decisive edge against Kypson.
Prediction: Albot in 3
Damian: What a draw for Radu Albot. The Moldovan is actually doing quite well on clay this year compared to the last few years and beat a couple of clay specialists in the qualifying. Patrick Kypson was the winner of the USTA Wildcard Challenge, but he’s definitely quite a bit below 95% of players in the draw and made his name in much faster clay conditions.
Prediction: Albot in 4
Jakub: Great draw for Albot after making it through qualifying, coming back from a set down against Camilo Ugo Carabelli. Kypson was the best of a bad bunch competing in the USTA Wild Card Challenge and earned it with green clay play. The money and the experience will be great for the young American but Albot should win here.
Prediction: Albot in 3
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Ugo Humbert vs Adrian Mannarino
Jim: This should be an entertaining if slightly unorthodox match. But it is hard to look past Ugo Humbert. Adrian Mannarino, even at this late stage of his career, can be a difficult opponent, but he is not particularly well-suited to playing on the clay. Humbert is also more at home on faster surfaces, but his game is more adaptable than his compatriot’s.
Prediction: Humbert in 4
Damian: Ugo Humbert made a big leap on clay this year and is coming off winning two Challenger 175 events. Anything like that will surely give him a win here. The two Frenchmen sometimes struggle with their flat ball-striking on the dirt, but Humbert has so much more going for him with the big serve and ability to endpoints at will.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Jakub: Mannarino has won their only previous meeting but the 33-year-old’s wins on clay have been a rarity in recent years, winning just once at Roland Garros since 2017. Humbert came close to getting a seeded spot in the draw after two Challenger 175 titles rocketed him up the rankings.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Hubert Hurkacz vs David Goffin
Jim: Hurkacz’s game does not always translate well to the clay, chiefly because of his forehand’s lack of power. That may cause him some problems against David Goffin who – at his best – covers the court as well as anyone. But Goffin has not played his best tennis for a while.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Damian: Hubert Hurkacz beat David Goffin at Roland Garros last year, but he had so much more momentum going for himself then. Now he enters the event with zero expectations, but will he be able to swing freely? Besides the serve, it’s actually Goffin who presents so much more danger off the ground, especially with his trademark early timing.
Prediction: Goffin in 5
Jakub: Neither player comes in with particularly good form on the season, though the Pole beat Goffin here in straight sets last season. This has “five-setter” written all over it but I see Hurkacz winning out.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 5
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
