The French Open continues on day three with 20 men’s singles matches, including Jack Draper vs Matteo Bellucci. Our other prediction pieces feature Novak Djokovic vs Mackenzie McDonald, Alexander Zverev vs Learner Tien, Daniil Medvedev vs Cameron Norrie, and Gael Monfils vs Hugo Dellien. Ateet Shrivastava, Tope Oke, and Shane Black offer their insights. But who will advance to the second round?
French Open Men’s Day 3 Predictions
Grigor Dimitrov vs Ethan Quinn
Ateet
Grigor Dimitrov had his best result at the French Open last year, reaching the quarterfinals. He is not in last year’s form this time, but will look to take one match at a time and build some form. Ethan Quinn has posted some solid wins this clay season and is a better player than his rankings suggest. Dimitrov will have to play at a good level to win this.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Tope
Dimitrov reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year and will be looking to make another deep run in Paris. However, the American will not go down easily if his qualifying performances are anything to go by; an upset may be on the cards.
Prediction: Quinn in 5
Shane
Dimitrov is not in great form heading to Roland Garros and has a tough first-round matchup against young American Ethan Quinn. Quinn has been playing fantastic tennis of late, but does he have the game to beat Dimitrov over five sets?
Prediction: Dimitrov in 4
Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Henrique Rocha
Ateet
Basilashvili is a streaky player, and when he has wins under his belt, he can be dangerous. The Georgian qualified without dropping a set and has won seven of his last eight matches in all competitions. Portugal’s Henrique Rocha has qualified for the main draw for the first time, but it will be a much bigger hurdle to beat an in-form Basilashvili.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 5
Tope
Nikoloz Basilashvili has regained his form in time. He made it to the final of the Bordeaux Challenger last week, and carried that energy into the qualifiers for Roland Garros, and has won seven of his last eight matches overall. He now faces Henrique Rocha, who has also earned a spot in the main draw of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career. The seasoned Basilashvili seems to be on the right path, and he will cruise into the second round for the first time since 2022.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 4
Shane
Basilashvili is one of the hardest hitters on tour. His problem, however, has been control. He looked solid in qualifying but may have trouble against young Henrique Rocha, who plays his best tennis on clay.
Prediction: Rocha in 4
Jakub Mensik vs Alexandre Muller
Ateet
Jakub Mensik lost a close match to Hubert Hurkacz in Rome but should be happy with his preparation for the French Open. If he executes his game and plays his best tennis, he can go a long way here. This is his first appearance here, and I expect him to overpower Muller with his big serve and ground strokes.
Prediction: Mensik in 4
Tope
Jakub Mensik had a tough time adapting to clay after claiming the most significant title of his young career at the Miami Open and he faces a tricky match to kick off his French Open journey, but if his powerful serve is on point, he should be able to advance past Muller.
Prediction: Mensik in 5
Shane
I love Mensik’s overall game. He is brimming with confidence and has the chance to make a second-week run at the French Open. Muller will have the support of the French crowd, but I doubt it’s enough.
Prediction: Mensik in 4
Jack Draper vs Mattia Bellucci
Ateet
Jack Draper has been one of the best players this season, and his consistency has been remarkable. It’s time for him to continue that form at the biggest stage. He will look to get off to a good start and win his first match at the French Open. Bellucci is on a five-match losing streak, and I don’t think it will end here.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Tope
Matteo Bellucci has not won a match since he defeated Cameron Norrie in the Monte Carlo qualifiers in April, and the winless streak is set to continue against one of the sport’s biggest hitters.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Shane
Draper is undoubtedly playing the best tennis of his career and may be the most in-form player on the ATP Tour. Bellucci, on the other hand, hasn’t won a match in nearly two months. The Brit should cruise.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai – USA TODAY Sports
