The second slam of the year is upon us as the 2025 French Open gets started on Sunday with 20 men’s main draw singles matches. This set of predictions is paced by Frances Tiafoe vs Roman Safiullin. Our other prediction articles feature Lorenzo Musetti vs Yannick Hanfmann, Tommy Paul vs Elmer Moller, Ben Shelton vs Lorenzo Sonego, and Tomas Machac vs Quentin Halys. Predicting this set of matches is Ilemona Onekutu, Damian Kust, and Shane Black. Who will advance to round two?
French Open Day 1 Predictions
Fabian Marozsan vs Luca Nardi
Ilemona
Fabian Marozsan is favored over Luca Nardi, leading their head-to-head 2–0 and holding a higher ranking. Marozsán should advance comfortably.
Prediction: Marozsan in 3
Damian
Nardi has yet to win a match in a Grand Slam despite four attempts. Will this be the moment? It’s not impossible, but Marozsan tends to be pretty consistent in these opening rounds outside of Wimbledon. The Hungarian has a bigger game, and he’ll have Nardi pushed behind the baseline. What he does with that edge might be another question, but it will be on his racket.
Prediction: Marozsan in 4
Shane
This is sneakily one of my favorite first-round matches. Marozsan will look to overpower his Italian counterpart, but clay is the great equalizer. Nardi is comfortable digging out of the corners, but is that sustainable for a five-set match?
Prediction: Marozsan in 5
Hamad Medjedovic vs Kamil Majchrzak
Ilemona
Kamil Majchrzak has shown strong form recently on the Challenger circuit, while Hamad Medjedovic has had flashes of promise at a higher level. This could be a close match, but Majchrzak’s momentum gives him a slight edge.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 5
Damian
If Medjedovic were fitter and in better rhythm, he’d be one of the prime candidates to take over in the weak section he found himself in. But he’s yet to win a match in the best-of-five format (barring short sets at Next Gen Finals,) and Majchrzak had some fine moments this clay season. The Serbian is still the favorite here, but he’s got something to prove before we start calling him a dark horse.
Prediction: Medjedovic in 4
Shane
I love Medjedovic’s game. He is big, physical, and plays with a lot of confidence. Majchrzak has proven himself a solid clay-courter at the Challenger level, but I slightly favor the Serb here.
Prediction: Medjedovic in 4
Damir Dzumhur vs Thiago Agustin Tirante
Ilemona
Damir Dzumhur’s experience and consistent clay results give him a slight edge, though Thiago Tirante has shown promise with a Challenger title this year. Expect a tight match with Dzumhur, who is narrowly favored.
Prediction: Dzumhur in 5
Damian
It’s been a while since Dzumhur won a match at a Grand Slam and this is his best opportunity in a while. But it’s also not a gimme and Tirante played very well in the qualifying despite the three-set loss to Quinn. Let’s say the Argentinian does enough to power through the uncomfortable game of his opponent with all his inside-out forehand magic.
Prediction: Tirante in 5
Shane
A qualifier will find themselves in the second round of the French Open after this match. Dzumhur has much more professional experience, but the flair of Tirante’s game intrigues me. I think he gets it done.
Prediction: Tirante in 5
Frances Tiafoe vs Roman Safiullin
Ilemona
Frances Tiafoe, ranked higher and with better clay form, is favored over Roman Safiullin despite their close head-to-head. Tiafoe should advance in a competitive match.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Damian
Outside of Houston, Tiafoe is continuing his pattern of winning exactly one match in almost every event this season. The American has felt pretty irrelevant since the US Open, not finding the same intensity or energy in his performances. Roland Garros is unlikely to restore it for him, but Safiullin is a good opening draw and a player (at least on clay) might just hit himself off the court anyway.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Shane
It has been an odd season for Tiafoe. He certainly would have liked to play better up until this point, but the summer slam season can fix all woes. Safiullin has the skillset to pressure the American, but I think Tiafoe gets this one done in four tight sets.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
