It promises to be an entertaining seventh day at the French Open with eight intriguing matches on the schedule in Paris. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all eight matches, including Holger Rune vs Genaro Alberto Olivieri. But who will secure their spot in the second week in Paris?
French Open Day 7 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Alexander Zverev
Jack: Alexander Zverev’s performance against the underrated Alex Molcan was sublime. Frances Tiafoe will need to play consistently offensive to defeat Zverev, who will be close to his defensive best. Tiafoe can play aggressively but I don’t think he’ll be able to repeat it enough to win three sets against last year’s semifinalist.
Prediction: Zverev in 5
Yesh: Tiafoe isn’t amazing on clay, but he looks pretty solid here in Paris. He has newfound confidence and a good return that can throw the German off his game.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Damian: Tiafoe’s first serve was immaculate against Karatsev and managed to save him from going down two sets to one. Zverev improved on his first-round performance massively when he routined Molcan on Thursday. It’s too early to say he’s already back to his best, but he might be starting to put the pieces together.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
[cta id=4014 type=cta]
Yoshihito Nishioka vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Jack: Given his immense forehand, Thiago Seyboth Wild should be considered the favourite here. Yoshihito Nishioka will force some long rallies but the Brazilian has shown he’s comfortable constructing points. There may be a dip in the 23-year-old’s form but he should find a way through.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 4
Yesh: Seyboth Wild stunned Medvedev in the first round, and he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. This is a favourable matchup, too.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 4
Damian: Seyboth Wild has already played a lefty and maybe that could help him. Nishioka’s game isn’t that effective on clay and while the Brazilian can always hit himself off the court on a bad day, these just aren’t coming up at all recently. By beating Medvedev, Seyboth Wild found himself in a very open part of the draw and he should continue to take advantage.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 4
Embed from Getty Images
Borna Coric vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Jack: Tomas Martin Etcheverry was great in his win over Alex De Minaur. Merely stating the Argentine won in straight sets doesn’t do his performance justice—he was on fire from start to finish. Borna Coric reached the quarters in Rome in similar conditions but it felt as though his draw opened up. There’s no reason Etcheverry doesn’t feel confident enough to seize his opportunity here.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 4
Yesh: Coric has huge potential–as he showed last year in Cincinnati. He’s not consistent, but when his game is on he can beat just about anyone. He gets to continue taking Argentinians out of this tournament.
Prediction: Coric in 4
Damian: Etcheverry has fully transformed into a main tour player this year and making the second week of Roland Garros would be a beautiful way to show it. It’s definitely been easier for him so far than for Coric, who was involved in a couple of slugfests. In terms of slow clay skillsets, I value Etcheverry’s much higher.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 4
Embed from Getty Images
Casper Ruud vs Zhang Zhizhen
Jack: The conditions are too slow for Zhang Zhizhen to trouble Casper Ruud. Ruud should be able to find his forehand far too often for Zhang to make a notable dent in the Norwegian’s armour. We’ll give the Chinese a set given Ruud’s ropey season but I’m confident in my pick for the winner.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Yesh: Ruud has been quiet recently, since he has been nowhere near as successful as his 2022 run would suggest. He’s still one of the world’s best, though, and will have way too much for Zhang on clay.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
Damian: This was supposed to be a second-round match at the US Open last year, but Zhang wasted seven match points in his opener and it never happened. He was in incredible form back then and I really liked his chances on the quicker courts in New York. Here, Ruud feels more comfortable and Zhang isn’t quite in that purple patch. He’ll push him though.
Prediction: Ruud in 5
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
