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
Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Grigor Dimitrov
Damian: Kovacevic couldn’t win a match on clay last year, but he’s doing pretty okay on it now. Instead of the weaponry, it’s his physicality that gets to shine a bit more. We’ll see if that’s enough to properly test Grigor Dimitrov though and the most probable answer is not really. Hopefully we’ll get some excellent slice exchanges though. Dimitrov in 4
Jordan: It is always nice to see two one-handed backhands face each other, especially on clay. Kovacevic is a very talented, if inconsistent player. But his overall game does not quite stack up against Dimitrov’s serve and forehand. Dimitrov in 3
Fabian Marozsan vs Mikhail Kukushkin
Damian: Kukushkin is shockingly good this year after his career seemed almost over and he even took it to his least favorite surface. Marozsan’s form has been rather average recently as well. Maybe this isn’t as obvious as it may seem, but it’s still tough to go against the Hungarian and his hyper-aggressive style. Marozsan in 4
Jordan: Watching 36-year-old Kukushin qualify for the main draw was a nice moment. He got his reward for continuing to plug away despite a difficult last few years. However, his run is very likely to stop here. Marozsan is an improving player and his huge forehand is something Kukushkin will struggle against at this stage of his career. Marozsan in 3
Nicolas Moreno de Alboran vs Brandon Nakashima
Damian: Moreno de Alboran earned himself this wildcard with the quarterfinals in Marrakech and he also performed well in Geneva this week. With a Spanish background, he’s had a lot more clay experience than most other Americans too. Nakashima is still likely the better player, but Moreno de Alboran will test him. Nakashima in 4
Jordan: These two Americans have been scrapping away in recent months with fleeted but limited success. Nakashima’s level has been slightly better overall during that time. The 22-year-old is still far below his level from 2022 but this is a good chance for him to reach the second round in Paris. Nakashima in 4
Stan Wawrinka vs Andy Murray
Damian: When they played in the fourth round three years ago, Wawrinka blasted Murray off the court. He did that just a year ago at the Challenger in Bordeaux as well. But now that he’s 39 and having such an atrocious time on the tour this year, is this still possible? Then again Murray has struggled with his health too. This one will be messier than before. Wawrinka in 5
Jordan: This is undoubtedly a blockbuster matchup, but the level these two legends of the sport will bring is less certain. Murray is only just back from injury, while Wawrinka has also struggled for wins this season. The 2015 champion in Paris has had a less disrupted preparation without any physical issues. That could make an important difference. Wawrinka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
