We wrap up the second round of both men’s and women’s singles on Day 5 of the French Open. On Thursday, we’ll find see who finishes out the Round of 32 lineup. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on all of the matches for you. We split the day’s 16 matches between this article and three others–featuring Casper Ruud vs Giulio Zeppieri, Tommy Paul vs Nicolas Jarry, and Taylor Fritz vs Arthur Rinderknech. Predicting Thursday’s matches are Shane Black, Damian Kust, and Jack Edward. Who do you think will advance?
French Open Day 5 Men’s Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Aslan Karatsev
Shane:
Aslan Karatsev has been one of the most in-form players on Tour, winning 11 of his last 12 matches. His form will be put to the test against Frances Tiafoe. The American always seems to raise his level when it matters most. His variety and newfound serving prowess should lead him to victory.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Damian:
This is where Karatsev could start a real run and dispatch a few seeds in a row, but of course you never really know with the Russian’s inconsistent game. Tiafoe’s in mediocre form though and doesn’t seem like he’ll present that much of a threat if only his opponent finds his peak level on the day.
Prediction: Karatsev in 4
Jack:
Frances Tiafoe will have to play front foot tennis to beat Aslan Karatsev’s bulldozing style of play. With his serve less effective than it would be on a hard-court and his rally balls sometimes a little passive on this surface, I’m not sure he’ll be able to pull that off. Proceedings will likely be dictated by Karatsev, who is in a rich vein of form.
Prediction: Karatsev in 3
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Thiago Seyboth Wild vs Guido Pella
Shane:
Thiago Seyboth Wild had the upset of the tournament when he took down No. 2 seed Daniil Medvedev. I believe his Tuesday form will translate to his Round 2 match against Guido Pella. I expect the Brazilian to be able to hit through the Argentine on the forehand side and control most rallies from the baseline.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 4
Damian:
If anyone’s doubting that Seyboth Wild will keep up his level here, I think they haven’t been watching the South American Challengers this year. Beating Medvedev is massive for him on many levels, one of them being that he takes his spot in the draw and gets a couple of easier rounds. Pella, at this stage of his career, isn’t the formidable foe he once was.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 3
Jack:
The stars aligned for Thiago Seyboth Wild as he pulled off the upset against Daniil Medvedev. It was windy and the conditions were particularly slow, giving the Brazilian ample opportunity to line up forehand winners aplenty. On a less windy day against Guido Pella, a lefty who ironically might be able to find his backhand more easily than Medvedev, things could get very sticky for Seyboth Wild.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 5
Andrea Vavassori vs Genaro Alberto Olivieri
Shane:
Qualifier Andrea Vavassori and wild card Genaro Alberto Olivieri both pulled off Round 1 upsets and have a significant opportunity to reach a Slam third round. I favor Vavassori’s style of play in this matchup. He should win a fair amount of free points on his serve and dictate the flow of the match.
Prediction: Vavassori in 4
Damian:
Now that’s unexpected for a Grand Slam second round. Vavassori is certainly capable of more and he’s so intelligent in using the clay courts to his advantage, despite the serve-and-volley roots of his game. Only question is how he recovers after the five hours and ten minutes thriller against Miomir Kecmanovic (he saved five match points).
Prediction: Vavassori in 4
Jack:
Surviving matches in the manner Andrea Vavassori did against Miomir Kecmanovic can give players a new lease of life. Playing with a second wind, Vavassori will likely take this match against Genaro Alberto Olivieri by the scruff of the neck. Expect to see the Italian serve and volley his way into the third round.
Prediction: Vavassori in 3
Holger Rune vs Gael Monfils
Shane:
Holger Rune is one of the favorites to win the tournament, but veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils will have all of Paris on his side. Stylistically this looks to be a very entertaining match with an incredible amount of highlights. Rune has proven he can handle a hostile crowd and should be able to bully Monfils off the baseline with his power.
Prediction: Rune in 4
Damian:
Rune didn’t seem fully fit against Christopher Eubanks, while Monfils pulled off an incredible comeback in round one. We’ve seen the Dane manage his physical issues before though and I’m just not sure his opponent has a lot more left for this event. The gap in quality between them right now could turn out quite huge, too…
Prediction: Rune in 3
Jack:
It would seem as though Gael Monfils doesn’t have any hope of winning this match after his legs gave way against Sebastian Baez. The French crowd have a miraculous effect on their favorites, however. Holger Rune might come out too passive against Monfils who will likely be swinging for the fences from the first ball. Rune should win the match on physicality alone but there could be a slow start.
Prediction: Rune in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
