The French Open first round on May 24 features several intriguing clashes between experienced clay-court players and dangerous underdogs. Fabian Marozsan could capitalise on Miomir Kecmanovic’s inconsistency at the Grand Slam level despite the Serb’s recent Challenger title, while Tomas Martin Etcheverry looks capable of pushing Nuno Borges in what should be a competitive baseline battle. Novak Djokovic also appears strongly positioned against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, with the Serbian’s experience and comfort in Paris expected to make the difference over five sets.
ATP French Open 1/64-Finals
Kecmanovic – Marozsan: 24.05.2026 11:00 CEST
H2H: 0-1
Miomir Kecmanovic has won five straight matches. Last week in Valencia, Kecmanovic won the Challenger title, defeating Vallejo in the final in three sets. Last season in Paris, the Serb lost to Halys in the second round.
Fabian Marozsan has lost three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Rome, where he lost to Kopriva in the opening match in straight sets. He has never made it past the second round here.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Kecmanovic is the slight favourite in this matchup, but we disagree. He tends to fumble under pressure at the Grand Slam level. Marozsan is a solid clay-court player, and we expect him to dominate the rallies.
That being said, Marozsan winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Fabian Marozsan winning @2.30 @bet365
Etcheverry – Borges: 24.05.2026 13:00 CEST
H2H: 0-2
Tomas Martin Etcheverry has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Hamburg, the Argentine lost to Paul in the 1/8-Finals in three tiebreaks. Last season in Paris, Etcheverry lost to Alcaraz in the second round in four sets.
Nuno Borges has lost three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Rome, where he lost to Jodar in the second round in straight sets. Last season in Paris, the Portuguese lost to Popyrin in the third round in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Borges is the underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. He has won both head-to-head meetings this season against Etcheverry. Just around a month ago, Etcheverry defeated Etcheverry in Barcelona under similar conditions. We expect him to keep this match close.
That being said, Etcheverry covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Tomas Martin Etcheverry +3.5 games handicap @1.91 @bet365
Mpetshi Perricard – Djokovic: 24.05.2026 20:15 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Geneva, the Frenchman lost in the opening round to Tsitsipas in straight sets. He has never made it past the second round here.
Novak Djokovic has lost three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Rome, where he lost to Prizmic in the second round in three sets. He was the champion here three times.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Djokovic is the clear favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He enjoys playing in Paris. On the other hand, Mpetshi Perricard never reached the French Open final. We expect Djokovic to dominate and win comfortably.
That being said, Djokovic covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Novak Djokovic -5.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
