We can expect an entertaining day of tennis at the French Open with a number of star names in action as the second round concludes in Paris. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on day five, including Frances Tiafoe vs Hubert Hurkacz, Ben Shelton vs Raphael Collignon, and Arthur Rinderknech vs Matteo Berrettini. But who will book their spot in the third round?
French Open Day 5 Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo
Tope: Jannik Sinner barely broke stride in his Roland Garros opener as he continues the hunt for the one major missing from his collection. Juan Manuel Cerundolo showed grit to overcome Jacob Fearnley, recovering from a deficit and saving a set point in a tense third-set tiebreak, but this represents a huge leap in class. Against a Sinner who is serving with confidence, striking the ball cleanly and suffocating opponents from the baseline, the Argentine is likely to find opportunities scarce. Expect Sinner to stay firmly on course for the second week with another efficient straight-sets victory.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Cizu: Not much needs to be said about Sinner these days that hasn’t already been said. The younger Cerundolo brother did well to win his first match in straight sets. But the draw has dealt him a bad hand here. With this set to be a daytime match under the heat, it’ll be interesting to see how Sinner manages, having previously struggled in such conditions. Despite that, against this level of opponent, it’s hard to see any real threat to Sinner.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Ilemona: Sinner has been nearly unstoppable on clay this season with multiple Masters titles and a long winning streak. Cerundolo is a dangerous clay specialist with strong topspin and movement, but he has struggled to keep up with Sinner in past meetings. Sinner’s improved fitness and ability to dominate rallies from both sides should make this a tough test for the Argentine.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Matteo Arnaldi
Tope: Matteo Arnaldi has looked sharp since his injury return and highlighted it with a high-quality four-set win tussle to outlast Tallon Griekspoor in the previous round. Standing in his way is Stefanos Tsitsipas, who although remains the more proven force on the Paris clay, the Italian’s improved form and fighting spirit suggest this will be anything but straightforward. Expect Arnaldi to push the Greek deep once again, but Tsitsipas’ experience and firepower in the biggest moments should give him the edge in a hard-fought encounter.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 5
Cizu: Arnaldi came through a tricky opening match against Griekspoor, coming from a set down to win. Tsitsipas has barely gotten into the swing of things here due to first round opponent retiring early in the second set. It’s therefore hard to know what Tsitsipas’ level is right now amidst his recent struggles. Both players met here two years ago, and despite the Greeks’ struggles, a similar score looks on the cards.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Ilemona: Tsitsipas has a strong clay background and uses his one-handed backhand and variety effectively on the surface. Arnaldi is athletic with good baseline consistency and has pushed strong players before. Tsitsipas’ experience at Roland Garros and ability to raise his level in longer matches should help him pull through.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 5
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo vs Moise Kouame
Tope: Adolfo Daniel Vallejo got a slice of fortune in the opening round after Cameron Norrie was forced to retire injured, but the Paraguayan still showed serious nerve to save three set points and snatch the opener before running away with the match. Standing in his way now is teenage sensation Moise Kouame, who lit up Roland Garros by dismantling Marin Cilic and becoming the first player born in 2009 to win a Grand Slam main draw match. The French prodigy twill throw punches, but Vallejo still looks the safer pick to grind his way into the third round.
Prediction: Vallejo in 3
Cizu: Kouame produced one of the talking points of the first round after he dispatched Marin Cilic quite emphatically. Vallejo is another player who has barely gotten into action after his opponent also retired in the second set. It’ll be quite the story if the teenager can come through another match here. The crowd will do their best to push him on, but against a solid clay-courter, this might be a match too soon for the Frenchman.
Prediction: Vallejo in 4
Ilemona: Both players will bring energy and baseline play, but this one favors the one with better recent momentum. Vallejo has shown steady results building into the event. Kouame, as a home player, will have crowd support, yet Vallejo’s overall steadiness on clay looks likely to control the key moments.
Prediction: Vallejo in 4
Learner Tien vs Facundo Diaz Acosta
Tope: Facundo Diaz Acosta cruised past Zhang Zhizhen for his maiden Roland Garros main-draw win, but he faces a far tougher examination against one of the hottest young players on tour in Learner Tien who has carried his momentum from a breakthrough title run in Geneva straight into Paris, extending his winning streak to six matches with an emphatic four-set victory over Cristian Garin.
The American’s aggressive returning and growing comfort on clay have made him a genuine threat, and while Diaz Acosta’s left-handed craft and clay-court pedigree should keep the contest competitive, Tien’s current form, confidence, and ability to seize control of rallies make him the clear pick to book a place in the next round.
Prediction: Tien in 4
Cizu: The battle of the lefties. I believe this is a competition where Learner Tien can really make a deep run. He’s certainly learning fast what clay court tennis is all about and has the game for it. Diaz Accosta enjoyed an easy win against an out-of-sorts Zhang. The Argentine is also a decent clay court player. However, as previously noted, I have high expectations for Tien, and I see him winning this battle.
Prediction: Tien in 3
Ilemona: Tien has been impressive with clean ball-striking and rising confidence after a solid first-round win. Diaz Acosta brings clay pedigree as an Argentine grinder with good movement. Tien’s improving all-court game and ability to accelerate points could edge out the longer baseline battles.
Prediction: Tien in 5
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
