There should be plenty of entertaining tennis on day six at the French Open as the third round action begins at Roland Garros. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Carlos Alcaraz vs Damir Dzumhur. But who will punch their ticket to the second week in Paris?
French Open Day 6 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Sebastian Korda
Both the Americans played exceptionally well in their second-round match and will battle against each other to move ahead into the head-to-head battle, which is currently locked in at 3-3. Tiafoe won the first three matches, but Korda has won the last three. Tiafoe will be keen to stop the losing streak and advance to the second week for the first time here.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 5
Damian: There were so many Americans in that ATP 250 Houston part of the draw and while Brooksby, Fritz, and Michelsen fell, somebody will at least make the fourth round. It’s tough to say who that might be, strictly on a physical level Tiafoe’s game is slightly better suited to clay courts than Korda’s more proactive tennis.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 5
Tope: This promises to be another blockbuster between two Americans who have traded three wins each. Both players have been mesmerizing, with Tiafoe yet to drop a set and won their lone meeting on clay. In a match that will go the distance, I’ll side with the big-game player. Give me Tiafoe.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 5
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Ben Shelton vs Matteo Gigante
Ben Shelton got a walkover in the second round due to Hugo Gaston’s withdrawal from the tournament. It was a lucky break for Shelton after a five-setter in the first round. He will be well-rested and ready to go against Matteo Gigante, who upset Stefanos Tsitsipas with some fantastic tennis. Replicating such a level would be difficult for the Italian, but he has nothing to lose and can play without pressure.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Damian: It was a massive win for Gigante over Tsitsipas regardless of what you thought about the Greek’s performance and Shelton on clay is definitely fragile enough for the Italian to have a chance. But if we’re talking about winning three sets it might be a bit too much, backing up a big result is usually not that easy either if you don’t have the experience.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Tope: While Shelton’s history at the French Open is not exactly stellar, he has an opportunity to achieve a deep run in this edition despite having to through Gigante who has emerged as one of the giant-killers in Paris.
Prediction: Shelton in 5
Nuno Borges vs Alexei Popyrin
Nuno Borges created history against Casper Ruud, as he defeated the former finalist from a two-set deficit and is the first Portuguese man to reach the third round of the French Open. Borges played at a very high level and will like his chances against Alexei Popyrin if he can repeat that level. Popyrin is yet to drop a set, and it’s hard to predict which player will have the advantage in this match. I am going with the Australian player, but not with much conviction.
Prediction: Popyrin in 5
Damian: This section just got pretty open after it turned out Ruud had that knee issue. Borges was the one to take advantage, but it’s not a guarantee he’ll follow it up as things look pretty even here. Popyrin had a really poor Roland Garros record before this year for seemingly no reason as his game can translate to the clay. Let’s say he continues improving it.
Prediction: Popyrin in 5
Tope: Both players have traded wins even though both matches were on hard courts. This promises to be another thrilling nail-biter but that could swing either way. we anticipate another thrilling matchup here, but the Australian looks like he has the higher ceiling.
Prediction: Popyrin in 5
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Holger Rune vs Quentin Halys
Holger Rune played lost concentration at times in the third set against Emilio Nava, but overall it was a positive match from the Danish player. He returned well and made Nava work for every point. Quentin Halys secured another impressive victory in the second round and advances to the third round for the first time. Halys has defeated Rune in a Grand Slam before, but it was at Wimbledon, and Rune will be a more formidable opponent on clay.
Prediction: Rune in 4
Damian: It feels like the main goal for Rune in the first week is not to waste too much energy before heading into the potential Musetti clash. He’s done that so far, but Halys led him two sets to love at Wimbledon and should have taken the match. That said, on clay the massive weapons of the Frenchman should be a little easier to neutralize.
Prediction: Rune in 4
Tope: Facing French players at the French Open can be quite intimidating. Rune may take some hits, but he possesses the endurance and determination to handle the pressure. He has plenty of experience in tough situations, and I believe he’ll find a way to seize control of the contest. Since it’s on clay, Halys’ consistency with his groundstrokes will eventually decline, allowing Rune to leverage his extra speed to wear him down from the baseline
Prediction: Rune in 4
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
