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, Alexander Bublik vs Gregoire Barrere, David Goffin vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 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
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Arthur Cazaux
Jim:
Tomas Martin Etcheverry has had a solid season on the clay and looked sharp in reaching the final in Lyon, though he was overpowered there by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Arthur Cazaux will probably pose less of a threat than his 6’8” countryman and this has the makings of a comfortable day at the office for Etcheverry.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 3
Jordan:
Cazaux proved at the Australian Open how dangerous he is when he finds his range. This could be a tricky assignment for Etcheverry, who will also face a vocal crowd backing Cazaux. Nonetheless, Etchverry’s overall class on clay is higher and he also comes into this after a run to the final in Lyon.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 4
Damian:
Cazaux hasn’t played since twisting his ankle and while he should be fine movement-wise here, it’s clear he just won’t have that match sharpness that comes with competing a lot. It’s not his favorite surface and he’s facing a very tough opponent in round one too. Etcheverry just seems a little much for Cazaux in this scenario.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 4
Arthur Rinderknech vs Adam Walton
Jim:
It will be interesting to see what of level Adam Walton can produce here, having spent the last few weeks playing Challengers on hard courts in China. Given Arthur Rinderknech will be playing on home turf and has been in reasonable form on the clay over the last few weeks, it would be a surprise if Walton is competitive.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Jordan:
This is a great opportunity for Rinderknech, who beat Dan Evans and Frances Tiafoe in Lyon last week, to reach the second round. He will also be able to experience the French fans being behind him, in sharp contrast to his first-round match against local hero Richard Gasquet last year. Walton does not have much to lose but that freedom is unlikely to take him to victory.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Damian:
Walton has done very well to dominate these Challengers in Australia, Mexico, and Asia this year and for Wimbledon he won’t even need a wildcard anymore. But a longer hard court swing means he arrives with practically zero clay preparation. Rinderknech should really take advantage of this opportunity.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Valentin Vacherot vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Jim:
Valentin Vacherot played some excellent tennis to come through the qualifying, but this will be a stern test for the Monagasque. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has not quite kicked on as he might have done, but he is ranked 32nd in the world for a reason and should have too much for Vacherot.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Jordan:
Davidovich Fokina is someone who is capable of a deep run in Paris if he finds his blistering best. However, he is also wildly inconsistent and his matches are hard to predict. The Spaniard’s best level will be comfortably better than Vacherot if he is able to find it.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 4
Damian:
This one is so interesting with Vacherot having a tremendous season, but having basically no experience at this level and against someone with this much variety. He was refusing to lose in the qualifying and should make this one a lot more competitive than it may seem on paper, especially with Davidovich Fokina’s middling form.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 5
Casper Ruud vs Felipe Meligeni Alves
Jim:
Casper Ruud comes into this match in fine form after his run to the title in Geneva and he clearly enjoys the conditions in Paris. He is perhaps not playing well enough to return to the final, but it would be a real surprise if Felipe Meligeni Alves were to get the better of the Norwegian.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
Jordan:
Meligeni Alves is tricky to play on clay and Ruud needs to make sure he is focused and ready. The two-time runner-up in Paris does carry strong form into this contest and he is adept at avoiding early upsets on the dirt. He should be able to wear down his opponent.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Damian:
It was a nice qualifying campaign from Meligeni Alves as he didn’t post any spectacular wins, but made this one as routine as possible which never really happens to him. It’s just a shame the reward is a match with Ruud where he likely won’t have a shot to win. The Norwegian is coming off the Geneva title, but he’s done this before in 2022 so fatigue is probably not a concern.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
