The third round starts on Day 6 of the French Open, and we have an absolutely mouthwatering set of men’s matches scheduled. Will World #1 Carlos Alcaraz continue his march to a semifinal showdown with Novak Djokovic? Will we see upsets along the way? As always, our writers here at LWOT share our thoughts on the matches with you. We split Friday’s matches between this and a separate article. Predicting these matches are Jakub Bobro, Andreas Pelekis, and Jack Edward. Who do you think will win?
French Open Day 6 Men’s Predictions
Cameron Norrie vs Lorenzo Musetti
Jakub:
After a shaky start to the tournament with a five-set win over Benoit Paire, Norrie steadied the ship with a much more dominant performance against Lucas Pouille. Standing between him and his first second-week Paris appearance is Lorenzo Musetti who took Norrie out in Barcelona and is yet to drop a set. I see the young Italian prevailing again though dropping his first set of the tournament.
Prediction: Musetti in 4
Andreas:
Norrie looked poor in his first round match, yet definitely improved a lot against Pouille. A giant killer of the French home favorites, there’s definitely a lot less pressure for Norrie next match. Musetti is an up and comer, who definitely has the more asymmetrically pleasing game. However, I think Norrie should be too solid and consistent for this one.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Jack:
Lorenzo Musetti has been outstanding so far. Dispatching Ymer and Shevchenko for the loss of only 15 games is a statement from the Italian, who is feeling extremely comfortable in the sluggish conditions at Roland Garros. Cameron Norrie overcame his slow start against Benoit Paire and also should be feeling comfortable. It should be a high quality affair but I’m feeling confident in Musetti’s alarmingly high level.
Prediction: Musetti in 4
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Fabio Fognini vs Sebastian Ofner
Jakub:
After taking out an ailing Felix Auger-Aliassime, Fognini is still yet to drop a set as he also beat Jason Kubler in straights. Awaiting him is the in-form Ofner, already a four-time finalist at the Challenger Tour level in 2023, who took full advantage of receiving the best qualifier spot in the draw after snapping the win streak of Facundo Diaz Acosta in the final round. The Austrian was surrounded by three Americans with no clay wins between them and did not drop a set against Maxime Cressy or Sebastian Korda. I see this as close to a 50-50 but I will lean toward Ofner here.
Prediction: Ofner in 5
Andreas:
Fognini’s renaissance is still going strong in Paris, as he takes on another up and coming clay court specialist. Ofner hasn’t dropped a set yet, and definitely has the game to make a second week of Roland Garros. Going for the upset on this one, as Ofner’s younger body and speed should tire out Fognini.
Prediction: Ofner in 5
Jack:
Sebastian Ofner has taken advantage of a relatively kind section of the draw to make it through to the third round, having lost one set in five matches. Fabio Fognini is certainly beatable in his current form but this feels like a match-up where experience will come into play. If it goes the distance, the Italian will fancy his chances of improving his 24-14 record in fifth sets–Ofner has played just one five-setter throughout his career.
Prediction: Fognini in 5
Karen Khachanov vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
Jakub:
After winning just four games in his first two sets this week, Khachanov managed to turn around not only his opener against Constant Lestienne but has carried the confidence with him through his straight-set win over Radu Albot. Kokkinakis has taken out Dan Evans and Stan Wawrinka, so expect him to push Khachanov all the way. I do see the 11th seed coming out on top though.
Prediction: Khachanov in 5
Andreas:
Kokkinakis got some sweet revenge after heartbreaking losses in 2023, mainly his home slam loss to Andy Murray. However, Khachanov is playing solid tennis, and look for another second week run this tournament. Khachanov’s solid forehand and topspin will force a lot of errors from the surely exhausted Australian.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Jack:
Karen Khachanov has rediscovered the flow that’s taken him to two consecutive Grand Slam semifinals. Those without the correct weapons will be able to fluster his metronomic groundstrokes–Thanasi Kokkinakis does not have those weapons. The Aussie would prefer to be playing a fellow ball basher.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Novak Djokovic vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Jakub:
Djokovic outlasted Fucsovics in an incredibly high-level 90-minute first set, dropping just three games across the other two sets. Davidovich Fokina has eliminated two young French talents in Arthur Fils and Luca Van Assche, dropping just on set. The Spaniard was able to take a set off Djokovic in their most recent meeting at last year’s Monte Carlo after not getting anywhere near in the first two. I fully expect Davidovich Fokina to meet the moment and push Djokovic though it will not be enough.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Andreas:
After a 90 minute opening set, Djokovic cruised in three past Fuscovics. Davidovich Fokina beat Djokovic in Monte Carlo last time they played, making this a tough match up for the Serb. Djokovic’s mentality won’t wander as it did in that match, so expect a focused performance and tight win.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Jack:
Novak Djokovic is accelerating into Grand Slam gear. Marton Fucsovics could have been a difficult match-up but the Serb made certain he was on and off of that court as fast as possible. His form is now looking remarkably better than before he arrived in Paris so, though he’ll be properly tested against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, I expect him to find the level required to dispatch the plucky Spaniard.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
