The first round of men’s singles at the French Open wraps up on Day 3. To conclude the round, we are treated to 20 matches on Tuesday. As always, our writers here at LastWordOnTennis share their thoughts on all of the matches. We split the day’s 20 matches between this and four other articles. The other articles feature Novak Djokovic vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Casper Ruud vs Felipe Meligeni Alves, Alexander Bublik vs Gregoire Barrere, and Holger Rune vs Dan Evans. Predicting today’s matches are Jim Smith, Jordan Reynolds, and Damian Kust. Who do you think will advance?
French Open Day 3 Predictions
Rinky Hijikata vs Luciano Darderi
Jim:
It has been a difficult few weeks for Rinky Hijikata, with the Australian scoring just one Tour-level win so far on the clay in 2024–despite commendable efforts. With Luciano Darderi rather more at home on the clay, this looks like a great chance for the Italian to claim a first win in the main draw at a Grand Slam.
Prediction: Darderi in 3
Jordan:
Hijikata is not very confident on clay, which is demonstrated by him playing hard court Challenger events for some of the ATP clay-court season. By contrast, Darderi plays his best tennis on the dirt. He should be able to dictate throughout the match on his forehand.
Prediction: Darderi in 3
Damian:
One of the most straightforward matches of the round on paper. Darderi has done tremendously well to show his Cordoba run wasn’t a fluke and is having a proper clay breakthrough. Meanwhile, Hijikata cannot play on the surface at all. Not sure what could stop Darderi from making round two here.
Prediction: Darderi in 3
Mackenzie McDonald vs Tallon Griekspoor
Jim:
Tallon Griekspoor has been playing some solid tennis over the last few weeks, whereas Mackenzie McDonald has found it difficult to readjust to the clay after missing four months with injury at the start of the season. Anything other than a comfortable win for Griekspoor would be a surprise here.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 3
Jordan:
McDonald only recently returned for the first time since the Australian Open after a long injury. Understandably, he looked rusty in his first couple of matches. Griekspoor does not usually play his best tennis on clay, but this is a good draw for him. His firepower should prevail against the American.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 4
Damian:
McDonald hasn’t won a match on clay since 2022 and it doesn’t really seem like he’s getting any closer to doing it. This season has been tough for him with the injury and he might have to wait until some more favorable conditions to score his premier victory of 2024. Griekspoor in the longer format should be way too strong.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 3
Flavio Cobolli vs Hamad Medjedovic
Jim:
Hamad Medjedovic looks to be a player with a bright future and will doubtless be full of confidence after surging through the qualifying with wins three straight-sets wins. But Flavio Cobolli has also been in fine form and has that much more experience than the Serbian.
Prediction: Cobolli in 5
Jordan:
Medjedovic has been on the rise in recent times and his very powerful game can be tough to handle. However, I think Cobolli has a good chance of stopping him in his tracks. The Italian’s heavy spin off his forehand is capable of keeping the ball out of the range that Medjedovic likes, which could make the difference.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Damian:
Medjedovic basically lost the first four months of the season due to illness, but the most recent Next Gen Finals champion is back in good shape now. Cobolli isn’t an ideal round one draw and him being considered a sizeable favorite here only tells you how fantastic the Serbian is. Give him 12 healthy months and he might as well be seeded at this event next year.
Prediction: Medjedovic in 4
David Goffin vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Jim:
Giovanni Mpetschi Perricard announced himself with his run to the title in Lyon last week and if he can maintain that level, he could do some damage in the French capital. David Goffin’s stubborn will pose him a challenge, but the Belgian looks to have lost half a step and doesn’t pose the sort of attacking threat he once did.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 4
Jordan:
It will be very interesting to observe whether Mpetshi Perricard can back up his stunning run to the title in Lyon. Goffin is far past his prime and the consistent pace he plays with might suit his French Opponent well. Mpetshi Perricard to continue his strong form on home soil.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 3
Damian:
Mpetshi Perricard just won Lyon and following up on that won’t be easy. But with his all-around game and movement improving so much this year, he now has cushions to fall back on. It will probably take him through this one as well. Goffin doesn’t seem like he’s ever coming back to the top at this stage and already lost to Mpetshi Perricard in 2023.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
