The third round of the French Open rolls on, and we have all the predictions for Saturday’s exciting slate of matches. Novak Djokovic faces Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic. Young Brazilian Joao Fonseca takes on rising Brit Jack Draper in a battle of emerging talents. Andrey Rublev meets French hope Arthur Fils in a must-watch clash, while Ethan Quinn squares off against Tallon Griekspoor. Here’s how we expect the action to unfold at Roland Garros.
Novak Djokovic vs Filip Misolic
Ateet Shrivastava: Playing a tricky and crafty player like Corentin Moutet in France is never easy, but Djokovic did brilliantly to defeat him in straight sets. The Serbian superstar served well for most of the match and was terrific from the baseline. The blisters did affect him in the third set, but it shouldn’t be a problem against Misolic, who will cherish this occasion of playing a great like Djokovic on center court. Djokovic in 3
Damian Kust: Misolic had that big opportunity to reach the third round here, but it required him to maintain the best form of his life and be ice-cool under pressure. That’s what the Austrian did and from here, anything else is a bonus. Would be lovely if he could snatch a set against Djokovic, whom he practiced with a lot last year. But that’s probably all he can do. Djokovic in 4
Ilemona Onekutu: Djokovic comes into this clash in red hot clinical form, but qualifier Misolic arrives with nothing to lose after shocking Shapovalov. The Austrian’s aggressive baseline game might challenge early, but Djokovic’s experience and precision should prevail comfortably. Expect the Serb to win in straight sets, though Misolic could push one to a tiebreak. Djokovic in 3
Joao Fonseca vs Jack Draper
Ateet: There are many good matches scheduled on Saturday, but none more exciting than this one. Jack Draper was involved in a great match against Gael Monfils in front of an electric crowd, and he can expect the same against Fonseca. The 18-year-old will look to exact revenge on Draper for the loss in Indian Wells. Draper has to be at his best, both offensively and defensively, to win this match. Draper in 5
Damian: They played at Indian Wells where Fonseca didn’t even start that poorly, but was soon losing eight games in a row with unbelievable court-shrinking from Draper. Is it going to be slightly easier for him to hit through the Brit on clay? Possibly, but we’ve already seen Fonseca hit a 1000 errors in this matchup and it would take a special effort to avoid it this time. Draper in 4
Ilemona: Jack Draper’s breakthrough clay season (Madrid finalist, Rome QF) meets Fonseca’s fearless Roland Garros debut. The Brazilian’s explosive forehand and net-rushing will test Draper, but the Brit’s improved consistency and clutch serving should see him through if he stays composed in this high-octane match. Expect dazzling shotmaking from both rising stars in this lefty duel. Draper in 5
Andrey Rublev vs Arthur Fils
Editors Note: Fils withdrew and Rublev advances by walkover
Ateet: Arthur Fils showed a lot of grit and determination to fend off Jaume Munar’s comeback in the second round. Fils was down a break in the fifth set but hit some great winners to break back and eventually win the match. He struggled physically, and his fitness would be in doubt against Rublev, who won his match comfortably. Fils has the game to beat Rublev, as he showed in Monaco last month, but he must be at full health. Rublev will need to make a high percentage of first serves to protect his weaker second serve. Rublev in 5
Damian: The one question here is just Fils’s physicality as he was struggling massively in the previous round and only won when he started playing casino tennis. But that was an option only because he already had a big lead and needed to win just one of the last three sets. Rublev is not better than him at the moment, but he might capitalize if Fils isn’t 100%. Rublev in 5
Ilemona: Rublev’s improved serving faces Fils’ explosive baseline game in this 1-1 H2H rivalry. The Frenchman’s Monte Carlo win over Rublev proves he can dominate, but back concerns after his five-set battle may prove costly. Expect Rublev’s experience to edge this, though Fils’ home crowd could spark an upset if he maintains first-strike aggression. Rublev in 4
Ethan Quinn vs Tallon Griekspoor
Ateet: Ethan Quinn has had a fantastic run in his debut appearance at the French Open and will seek to play freely against the favourite, Tallon Griekspoor, who is the more experienced player and has been in good form all season. I predict the Dutch player to win, but not easily. Griekspoor in 4
Damian: Griekspoor is sort of taking over for Francisco Cerundolo, who was supposed to be the tournament dark horse in this section. That’s a completely acceptable trade as the Dutchman is also in great form and pushed his potential round four opponent, Zverev, last year. In this big-hitting duel, he’s got so much more margin in his game. Griekspoor in 4
Ilemona: Griekspoor’s steady baseline game should outlast Quinn’s explosive but erratic power. The Dutchman’s superior consistency and Quinn’s potential fatigue from his five-set battle point to a Griekspoor victory. Watch for Quinn’s net-rushing tactics to cause problems early before Griekspoor’s experience prevails. Griekspoor in 5
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
