Day 1 at Roland Garros, the 2026 French Open, continues with a mix of established names, rising talents, and intriguing stylistic matchups. From Americans looking to make deep runs to French wildcards hoping to ride home support, our writers break down the action and offer their predictions.
French Open Day 1 Men’s Predictions
Taylor Fritz vs Nishesh Basavareddy
Zain:
This all-American clash in Paris sees wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy take on arguably the most consistent American player of the 2020s so far in Taylor Fritz. Despite his ranking, Basavareddy has a very capable baseline game, built on an effective counterpunching style. But while he may hold the movement edge and Fritz returns from a layoff due to a recurring knee injury, Fritz should still feel confident from the back of the court. Coupled with a clear serving advantage, the American should have enough to progress despite potential rust.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Cizu Harbor: Taylor Fritz has had an understated clay season, having played only one match on the red dirt. His first round match puts him up against his compatriot, Basavareddy, here via a wildcard. There’s likely to be some rustiness from Fritz, but you’d still expect him to come through
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Fonseca is one of the players you’d expect a good run from in this French Open. And against this level of opposition, you’d expect a very comfortable outing for the Brazilian
Prediction Khachanov 3-
Lorenzo Sonego vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert
Zain:
This matchup between two aggressive players sees Lorenzo Sonego take on Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who has come through qualifying. While Sonego enters as the favorite due to his high-variance style and greater upside, Herbert remains a dangerous ball striker capable of making things uncomfortable. Expect plenty of winners, plenty of errors, and ultimately Sonego to come through.
Prediction: Sonego in 4
Cizu: Sonego’s form has been atrocious, with one win from 6 clay matches this season. Herbert is in the twilight of his career and has nothing to lose here. Playing in front of a home crowd, you can expect some motivated play from him.
Joao Fonseca vs Luca Pavlovic
Zain:
After an injury-riddled and underwhelming clay swing, Joao Fonseca arrives in Paris with a point to prove. Luca Pavlovic brings a physical, all-court game that could test the Brazilian’s endurance, but it may also provide the rhythm Fonseca needs to settle into rallies and find confidence on clay. If he controls his error count, this should be a manageable opening-round assignment.
Prediction: Fonseca in 3
Cizu: Fonseca is one of the players you’d expect a good run from in this French Open. And against this level of opposition, you’d expect a very comfortable outing for the Brazilian.
Prediction: Fonseca in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Arthur Gea
Zain:
Arthur Gea should enjoy opportunities to play aggressive tennis in front of a supportive home crowd and use his forehand to dictate at times. But Karen Khachanov’s steadiness from the baseline and ability to absorb pressure should ultimately prove too much, even if portions of the contest become competitive.
Prediction: Khachanov in 4
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
