A place in the second week of the French Open is on the line as top players and rising starts search for a spot with promising third-round matches. We offer a preview for the biggest and best to watch on the day.
French Open Day 7 Preview
1. Moise Kouame vs Alejandro Tabilo
One of the biggest stories of the tournament continues as 17-year-old Moise Kouame takes on Alejandro Tabilo. Kouame, ranked No. 318 in the world, has enjoyed a breakthrough run in Paris and became the youngest player to win a French Open main draw match since 1991 after defeating Martin Cilic in straight sets.
The French player followed that up with another impressive win in a five-set battle in the second round. Tabilo, the No. 36 seed, has had a smoother path so far, beating Kamil Majchrzak in straight sets before advancing to the third round due to Valentin Vacherot’s walkover.
Both players have now reached their best French Open result with a place in the third round.
The match will most likely make the public go wild as they are expected to produce entertaining and outstanding high-level tennis. Tension will be visible and the high level of both players will make the intense encounter worth watching.
2. Matteo Berrettini vs Francisco Comesana
Matteo Berrettini and Francisco Comesana meet for the first time with both players sitting just outside the Top 100. Berrettini is currently ranked No. 105, while Comesana comes in at No. 102.
Berrettini has looked solid through the first two matches, beating Martin Fucsovics in four sets before easing past Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets. Comesana also cruised through his opening round against Ethan Quinn before surviving a tough five-set battle against Luciano Darderi.
Berrettini’s powerful game has already taken him to the quarterfinals in Paris back in 2021. The 2021 Wimbledon runner-up had an impressive run at the Monte-Carlo Masters after beating Medvedev 6-0 6-0 on the Round of 32. This victory helped him gain confidence considering the past seasons he had.
As for Comesana, he reached the third round of the tournament for the first time, making it his best appearance so far.
On current form, this has the potential to be one of the best matches of the day. Both players will be chasing the biggest win of the tournament so far, leaving everything on court and showcasing their best tennis.
3. Francisco Cerundolo vs Zachary Svajda
Francisco Cerúndolo and Zachary Svajda meet for the third time, with their head-to-head tied at one win apiece. Cerundolo won their first encounter in straight sets at the 2023 US Open, while Svajda responded with a straight-sets victory at Winston-Salem in 2024.
Francisco, who is currently World No. 26, has battled through two difficult matches in Paris, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp and Hugo Gaston in four sets. Svajda, ranked No. 85 also impressed, beating Alexei Popyrin and Adam Walton, both in four sets.
Cerundolo best result at the tournament came with fourth-round appearances in 2023 and 2024, while Svajda is in the third round for the first time.
With both players in good form, this match will definitely be one to watch. The Argentine has improved his level, mainly on clay, the last two years. His determination will be key to seal the match. However, Svajda could definitely surprise the ATP 250 Buenos Aires champion and lead their total encounters 2-1.
4. Frances Tiafoe vs Jaime Faria
World No. 22 Frances Tiafoe will face Portugal’s Jaime Faria, ranked No. 115, in what will be their first career meeting. Tiafoe comes into the match after a hard five-set win over Hubert Hurkacz, while Faria continued his impressive run with a victory in straight sets against Jann-Lennard Struff.
Tiafoe began the tournament with a four-set win over Eliot Spizzirri. Faria, meanwhile, has been one of the surprises of the event so far, defeating Denis Shapovalov in straight sets in the opening round.
The American’s best result in Paris came last year when he reached the quarterfinals. As for Faria, he reached his best result at the French Open this year with a place in the third round.
This match could be far more competitive than many expect, with both players giving their best effort to advance to the second week but will probably not live up to expectations like the other matches.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
