We have reached the second slam of the year as the best players in the world have descended upon Paris, France, for the 2024 French Open. As always, we at LWOT have roundtable previews and predictions for all matches happening around the grounds of Paris. Damian Kust and Jordan Reynolds are on the predictions for the four matches below.
French Open Men’s Day 1 Predictions
Sebastian Korda vs Harold Mayot
Damian: Mayot got his wildcard as he’s been pushing for a Top 100 debut of late, but it’s doubtful whether his game actually has that caliber to hold up on the main tour in the long run. He’ll need an inspired showing to prevail against Korda here and maybe if the crowd gets under the American’s skin? It’s clear who’s got more tennis-wise at this stage, though. Korda in 4
Jordan: Mayot will have to do a lot of running in this match, with Korda the more naturally powerful player. He is comfortable counterpunching and has used that style often throughout his career. However, he is unlikely to win three sets against the American playing like that. Korda in 4
Terence Atmane vs Sebastian Ofner
Damian: Atmane likely secured his wildcard with that Rome run, which was both brilliant and definitely a bit lucky as well. Ofner is defending points for his fourth-round appearance from last year and while his form doesn’t suggest he’ll go that far, he remains a pretty dangerous opponent. Not out of Atmane’s range, but the Frenchman isn’t the favorite. Ofner in 4
Jordan: Atmane enters this contest in better form than Ofner. He reached the Round of 32 at the Italian Open heading into his home Grand Slam. But sometimes experience can be crucial on these stages. Ofner reached the fourth round in Paris last year and he may handle the occasion better than Atmane. Ofner in 4
Laslo Djere vs Daniel Altmaier
Damian: Djere has struggled with his health a lot this season and his record for the year stands at just 3-8 with two losses via retirement. One of them was his most recent match in Monte Carlo, which leaves his performance here very much in doubt. Altmaier hasn’t been setting the world on fire, but he’s been healthy and has good match rhythm. Altmaier in 4
Jordan: Both players produce their best tennis on clay when their games are firing. The backhand-to-backhand exchanges might prove crucial. Djere has a clear edge in that department and he is capable of exploiting the German’s one-handed backhand. Djere in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Taro Daniel
Damian: Rublev is one of these players who will be looking at this Slam as a potential chance (if not for a title, then at least a first Slam semifinal). His draw isn’t kind, but the issues likely won’t start until round three. For now, he should probably find hitting through Daniel pretty comfortable; the Japanese doesn’t have many tools to stand up to such a strong baseliner. Rublev in 3
Jordan: Rublev will be made to work hard during the rallies by Daniel, who is a consistent and gritty competitor. The former quarterfinalist in Paris should still back himself to hit through his Japanese opponent. Although he will extend some of the rallies, Daniel lacks the firepower to put Rublev under enough pressure. Rublev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
