The second round starts on Day 4 of the 2023 French Open. We get to see 16 matches on Wednesday as players try to advance to the Round of 32. Who do you think will move on? As always, our writers share their thoughts on who will win. We split the day’s 16 matches between three articles. In addition to this article, our others feature Carlos Alcaraz vs Taro Daniel, Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Roberto Carballes Baena, and Novak Djokovic vs Marton Fucsovics. Predicting this set of matches are Jakub Bobro, Damian Kust, and Jack Edward.
French Open Day 4 Predictions
Lorenzo Musetti vs Alexander Shevchenko
Jakub:
Musetti dealt with Mikael Ymer in straight sets to open his French Open but Shevchenko should be a tougher challenger. The 22-year-old has won three Challengers in the past 12 months and has established himself as a threat on both clay and hard this year, reaching the third round at both Madrid and Rome. I can see Shevchenko taking this all the way to the fifth but Musetti has to be the favorite here at the end of the day.
Prediction: Musetti in 5
Damian:
Shevchenko clearly has a Tour-level future, but is that future already here? It could be, but I don’t necessarily like the matchup for him. Feels like the variety of Musetti is something he could be vulnerable too, especially if the Italian is playing like he did in his opening round. He executed his game at a very high standard there.
Prediction: Musetti in 4
Jack:
I feel good about Lorenzo Musetti this tournament. The Italian is hitting with vicious intent on this surface—he’s come so close at this tournament in the past but he hasn’t quite been ready to pull off any big upsets. I think he’ll take care of business this time round against lower-ranked players (as stern a test as they may pose in Alexander Shevchenko) and give himself another opportunity in the fourth round against the World #1.
Prediction: Musetti in 4
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Denis Shapovalov vs Matteo Arnaldi
Jakub:
Shapovalov surprised both the bookies and my colleagues by overcoming Brandon Nakashima, losing a two-set lead but taking it 6-3 in the fifth eventually. The Canadian’s form has been poor leading in and it will be interesting to see how he deals with the rising star of Matteo Arnaldi, 14-3 on clay since the start of April. I think Arnaldi will be a tough out but with how little experience the Italian has on the biggest stages, Shapovalov might just pull through.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 5
Damian:
Shapovalov has never been past the second round at the French Open, even in seasons that were going much better than that for him. He probably isn’t gonna make it there. Arnaldi is one of the most recent Top 100 debutants and made a tremendous improvement in adding a huge forehand to his great defense. He’s the better clay-courter here.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 4
Jack:
When will Denis Shapovalov’s wheels come off this tournament? He dropped two sets to Brandon Nakashima in the previous round. Matteo Arnaldi might be able to go one better, the Italian’s slightly steadier game style probably suited to taking down the volatile Canadian on this surface.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 5
Hubert Hurkacz vs Tallon Griekspoor
Jakub:
Hurkacz and Griekspoor both battled through in five sets. Hurkacz played out a brilliant match against David Goffin while Griekspoor fought through his ankle injury to oust qualifier Pedro Martinez. Hurkacz’s win has to give him confidence and with the Dutchman’s fitness still in question, the Pole is a clear favorite.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Damian:
Griekspoor was seriously struggling in Round 1, but somehow pulled off the win. The Dutchman is delaying an ankle surgery as he feels like this is the most important part of the season for him. Hurkacz isn’t spectacular on clay, but I think he grinds out the win here under these circumstances.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Jack:
Hubert Hurkacz versus David Goffin felt like a five-setter waiting to happen. Though his game is incredibly polished, Tallon Griekspoor feels less likely to go the distance. The Dutchman won’t be able to trouble Hurkacz’s insane serve anywhere near as consistently as Goffin. Though there will be some close moments, Hurkacz will probably be able to bomb his way to the third round.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Andrey Rublev vs Corentin Moutet
Jakub:
Rublev has not quite been able to follow up his Monte Carlo title with that same level of performance, taking a surprise loss to Dusan Lajovic in the Banja Luka final and failing to reach the quarterfinals at Madrid or Rome. He overcame Laslo Djere in four sets despite not playing his best but Moutet will be an entirely different challenge. The Frenchman advanced past his young countryman Arthur Cazaux despite having the glaring weakness of still being unable to hit his two-handed backhand. I expect Rublev to focus in on it but Moutet having the crowd on his side and still being able to cook up some magic may make it tougher than anticipated.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Damian:
Moutet is playing without his usual backhand (slices it or plays a one-hander) due to his recent injury, but he’s handling it surprisingly well. He probably gets overpowered here, but the Frenchman with his full bag of tricks could make it very competitive against a top player, who’s still somewhat one-dimensional.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Jack:
Corentin Moutet can be an irritating player to battle. He’s currently playing without the full use of his right hand—he’ll likely go into this one looking to junk-ball Andrey Rublev. I don’t think the crowd, the variation from Moutet or Moutet’s reactions will get under Rublev’s skin enough to cause the upset.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
