It should be an entertaining fourth day the French Open with second-round action set to get underway. There are 16 matches on the slate and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Royer, Rafael Jodar vs James Duckworth, and Joao Fonseca vs Dino Prizmic. But who will reach the last 32 at Roland Garros?
French Open Day 4 Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Tomas Machac
Ateet: Second seed Alexander Zverev got off to a solid start as he defeated Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets. Zverev got better and better as the match progressed, and he will need to bring out his top level to beat the dangerous Tomas Machac, who, on his day, can trouble anyone. The difference in serve quality is huge in this one, which gives Zverev the advantage.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Harsh: This could be a decent test for Zverev as he looks to stitch a deep run. Machac is a solid baseliner and he should be able to win a set but Zverev started well and he looks likely to control the baseline rallies better.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Zain: In arguably the most anticipated match of the second round, Zverev takes on Machac in what is expected to be an intriguing baseline duel. Zverev will need to serve well, given his recent back issues, and if he does so, he will put himself in a very good position to win. The big question surrounding Machac is whether he can hold up physically in a long match. Given the night conditions, I think Machac’s baseline and groundstrokes will be potent, but ultimately, with the serve return dynamic in his favour, I think the German gets the win here.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Casper Ruud vs Hamad Medjedovic
Ateet: Casper Ruud is one of the favourites to go deep in this year’s French Open, but he was on the cusp of getting eliminated in the first round. Ruud struggled with health, but did well to stay in the match and eventually win in the fifth. Hamad Medjedovic is a dangerous player, and the Norwegian must start well to win this.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Harsh: Ruud will find himself staring at an another long match should Medjedovic find his range. Recovery will be key for Ruud who was stretched to five sets. Despite Medjedovic posing danger, Ruud enters this tournament in fine form and expect him to find a way to win.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Zain: Ruud battled an inspired Roman Safiullin and heat issues to come out of the first round. His next task won’t be any easier, as Medjedovic is not only a capable clay-courter but has the offensive firepower to push Ruud on slower clay. Despite that, Medjedovic is still not physically consistent enough for me to give him the edge in a match in which I think Ruud can eventually grind down the Serbian.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Jakub Mensik vs Mariano Navone
Ateet: This is a daytime match, which gives Jakub Mensik a big advantage on serve. From the back of the court, Mariano Navone will back himself to have the upper hand, but his serve is just average, and Mensik will look to exploit it. Navone has been in great form, but I think Mensik will win this one.
Prediction: Mensik in 5
Harsh: These two take on each other for the first time. Mensik has had no form throughout the clay court season while Navone has impressed culminating with a final appearance in Geneva. Expect Navone to frustrate Mensik with his defence and solid baseline ground strokes and get the win.
Prediction: Navone in 5
Zain: This is a matchup between a big server in Mensik against a traditional clay courter in Navone. Navone will need to use his topspin and defensive capabilities to frustrate Mensik. While Mensik will need to serve well, from the baseline on this surface, it may be Navone who has the advantage. Although Mensik is the favourite here, he is just too prone to losing these types of matches at Majors, which is why I’m expecting the upset here.
Prediction: Navone in 5
Federico Cina vs Jesper De Jong
Ateet: 19-year-old qualifier Federico Cina won his first-ever Grand Slam match, defeating Reilly Opelka in a five-set thriller. The youngster showed some clutch tennis in the fifth set, but I think Jesper de Jong has a great chance to reach the French Open third round for the first time. He has more experience, and he looked good against Stan Wawrinka.
Prediction: De Jong in 5
Harsh: Cina has played extremely well in the qualifying and then backing that up with a win over Opelka. He faces De Jong who was the lucky loser but the Dutchman has made the most of it by taking out Wawrinka in a high quality match. Expect a pretty tight match as both players look evenly matched but De Jong has more experience at this level.
Prediction: De Jong in 4
Zain: Both these players will feel fortunate to reach the second round in Paris, as Cina overcame a tough opener, while De Jong, a lucky loser, is already on his second chance at the French Open this year. This match will likely come down to which player can control the rallies from the baseline, as both players like to go for their shots. Ultimately, I think it is De Jong’s speed that can prove to be the decisive edge as he continues his second chance run at the French Open this year.
Prediction: De Jong in 4
Main photo credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
