There should be plenty of entertaning tennis on day five at the French Open, with 16 intriguing second-round matches on the slate in Paris. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Jannik Sinner vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Ben Shelton vs Raphael Collignon, and Arthur Rinderknech vs Matteo Berrettini. But who will reach the last 32 at Roland Garros?
French Open Day 5 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Hubert Hurkacz
Tope: This one has all the ingredients for a tight, tactical scrap. Hubert Hurkacz arrives with renewed clay-court confidence after a composed opening win while the American arrives battle-tested after shaking off Eliot Spizzirri in four sets, showing his usual blend of improvisation and shot-making flair. Tiafoe leads their head-to-head 4–3, but clay resets the equation: Hurkacz’s improved patience and heavier topspin exchanges give him more margin.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Cizu: Tiafoe hasn’t looked like himself for a while now, and in Hurkacz, he faces a serious player who seems to have now turned a corner after going through a difficult spell. Both players have played plenty of times and know how to beat each other. I’m not yet convinced by Tiafoe, especially in a best-of-five match, so I’m leaning towards the Pole.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 5
Ilemona: Tiafoe brings flair, athleticism, and aggression that can trouble anyone on his day. Hurkacz has a massive serve and powerful forehand that work well even on clay. Hurkacz’s weapons and recent level should give him the edge in controlling the bigger points.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 4
Valentin Vacherot vs Alejanro Tabilo
Tope: Alejandro Tabilo arrives with intent after dismantling Kamil Majchrzak in straight sets, never once dropping serve and dictating play with his lefty blend of aggression and variation that’s been clicking all season. But Valentin Vacherot brings a different kind of threat but the edge slightly leans toward the cleaner, more settled form of Tabilo.
Prediction: Tabilo in 4
Cizu: Vacherot is a player growing in confidence. The Monegasque should feel right at home in France and should get a lot of support, which tends to bring out the best in him. Tabilo likes the clay and had a good first-round win, so he arrives here in good shape and should make this a good contest. However, when on full blast, Vacherot is quite a handful, and I expect him to be highly motivated for this one.
Prediction: Vacherot in 4
Ilemona: Vacherot has played solid clay tennis with good variety and home advantage. Tabilo uses lefty spin and knows how to construct points on dirt. Tabilo’s experience and comfort on the surface should help him manage the physical exchanges better.
Prediction: Tabilo in 3
Francisco Comesana vs Luciano Darderi
Tope: This matchup between Francisco Comesana and Luciano Darderi shapes up as a gritty, clay-court chess match where margins will be razor-thin and rhythm will decide everything. Comesaña brings that South American edge but he can drift into streaky patches under sustained pressure. Darderi, by contrast, grinds opponents down until errors start to leak. This is poised to be an attritional battle and while any player can win, I’ll back Comesana to edge this one.
Prediction: Comesana in 5
Cizu: Comesana, a clay court disciple against a player riding a wave, it seems, at the moment, in Darderi. The Italian is a player whose game should bring rewards, as he is willing to fight for every point and possesses a massive forehand. Comesana does hold the head-to-head advantage, but I still like Darderi’s chances here at the French Open.
Prediction: Darderi in 4
Ilemona: Comesana has strong clay instincts with heavy topspin and rally control. Darderi is a fighter with good baseline power, recent momentum, and the ability to raise his level in big moments on dirt. Darderi’s aggressive style and confidence on the surface could wear Comesana down over time.
Prediction: Darderi in 5
Francisco Cerundolo vs Hugo Gaston
Tope: Francisco Cerundolo survived a third-set wobble against Botic van de Zandschulp to keep his French Open campaign on track, and the Argentine now looks well placed to reach the third round against Hugo Gaston who with the backing of the home crowd could make stretches of the match uncomfortable and perhaps even steal a set, but over the best-of-five format Cerundolo’s superior firepower and clay-court pedigree should ultimately prove decisive.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 4
Cizu: Cerundolo is the better player both in general and on this particular surface. Gaston, who beat Gael Monfils in a thrilling match,, will try to disrupt the Argentine with his unorthodox style. However, Cerundolo plays with so much pace that Gaston will struggle to live with, especially on the forehand side. This match rests on how well Cerundolo starts.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Ilemona: Cerundolo brings Argentine clay expertise and grinding ability. Gaston loves the surface and uses variety with drop shots in front of the home crowd. Cerundolo’s consistency and movement on dirt should prove too much in the end. Expect him to advance at the French Open.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 4
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
