Sunday at the French Open is opening the show with some exciting match-ups, including Stefanos Tsitsipas playing his opener. 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
John Isner vs Nuno Borges
Andreas Pelekis: Isner hasn’t won a match since February, but Borges is new to the grand slam life. However, expect Isner’s experience in grand slams to shine through in this one.
Prediction: Isner in 5
Damian Kust: John Isner hasn’t played since Houston and in seven events this year, he won his first round just once (and made a final in that event). He’s not as bad on clay as you think and really likes the high bounce. However, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be able to do much more than just grab the paycheck here against Nuno Borges.
Prediction: Borges in 4
Jakub Bobro: Borges has had a disappointing clay season, going 2-5 but that is still better than not playing at all like Isner has. The 38-year-old hasn’t played since Houston at the beginning of April and has lost his last five matches. Borges has to take the win here.
Prediction: Borges in 3
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Emilio Nava
Andreas: Arguably in his best career form, Carballes Baena is looking to make a big run at a major for the first time. This should be a solid first-round match for him against the young American.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 4
Damian: Emilio Nava was among the more surprising qualifiers. Not that he’s got no clay experience, his playstyle just doesn’t usually work on slower courts due to his backhand liabilities and inconsistency. Maybe the first three opponents couldn’t capitalize on these flaws, but an expert dirtballer like Roberto Carballes Baena? He will.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 4
Jakub: Carballes Baena got his second career title in Marrakech to start the season and has followed it up with solid play in Madrid and Rome. Nava came through qualifying after largely struggling on clay this season. Carballes Baena’s experience and form make him the favorite here.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 4
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Tallon Griekspoor vs Pedro Martinez
Andreas: Griekspoor has been battling injury problems in his recent tournaments, yet hit a career high ranking earlier this spring. On the other hand, Martinez has been in poor form until a positive qualifying tournament last week. This one should go the distance.
Prediction: Martinez in 5
Damian: Tallon Griekspoor is battling an ankle injury, but decided to delay his surgery to play the clay season. With every passing week, this is turning out to be not the greatest of ideas. Pedro Martinez is a winnable matchup for him and the Dutchman will surely try to give it his best for Roland Garros, but with a withdrawal and retirement in his last two events, the situation’s not looking bright.
Prediction: Martinez in 5
Jakub: Griekspoor has struggled for fitness, retiring in the last two of his three matches. Martinez is coming out of qualifying with a couple of decent wins over Kimmer Coppejans and Facundo Bagnis. The Spaniard will grind down Griekspoor here.
Prediction: Martinez in 4
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jiri Vesely
Andreas: Vesely has only played two events this year, and will have to bring his A game to keep this match close. Meanwhile, Tsitsipas is noticeably playing better and better as the clay season goes on.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Damian: This looks really obvious. Jiri Vesely is coming back to the tour and the last time we saw him, he still clearly wasn’t ready for the best-of-five format. Even if the fitness was there, getting through someone as good as Stefanos Tsitsipas on clay, at least at this stage of his career, sounds next to impossible.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Jakub: Tsitsipas has the potential to be a dangerous spoiler for Carlos Alcaraz at the quarterfinal stage. It is great to see Vesely competing after six months out, getting some wins in Ostrava, and though the Czech might still be dangerous on grass or indoors, I don’t expect much from him on clay against top opposition.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
