Accomplished clay courts Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev are looking to secure their places in the third round of the 2019 French Open. Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions for these matches and also matches featuring Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils.
Dominic Thiem vs Alexander Bublik
Yesh: Bublik was solid in his victory over Molleker in the first round, but that’s not enough to challenge Thiem. Thiem himself struggled with Tommy Paul, but it’s almost certain that that was a fluke. Thiem in 3
Steen: Thiem shockingly struggled with Tommy Paul but Paul has had some success on clay during his young career while Bublik is very much a journeyman. I’d be shocked if Thiem is tested twice in a row. Thiem in 3
Radu Albot vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Yesh: These are two of the most underrated players on tour right now. Struff is very solid, especially on clay, and Albot is having the year of his life. This should be the best match of the day. Don’t miss it. Struff in 5
Steen: Albot is a high character guy who is playing some great tennis, Struff, also 29, eased past Shapovalov in an upset in round 1. This match should be a tough contest and I’ll back Albot to advance. Albot in 5
Martin Klizan vs Lucas Pouille
Yesh: Martin Klizan pulled off an amazing comeback from two sets down (and he had to save five break points early in the third set) against Mikhail Kukushkin. That fight might earn him some inroads against Lucas Pouille, but the Frenchman is just too solid on clay to lose this. Pouille in 4
Steen: Klizan came from two sets down to win his first round match, that’s an emotional boost but it still should drain him physically and Pouille at his best is a solid clay courter. With home support Pouille should prevail as he works to regain rankings points. Pouille in 4
Alexander Zverev vs Mikael Ymer
Yesh: Ymer won the battle of the qualifiers against Blaz Rola, while Zverev was pushed to five sets against John Millman. Ymer doesn’t have Millman’s power game, though, and will cause Zverev much less trouble. Zverev in 3
Steen: Ymer is a young gun with talent, and Zverev struggles early in slams, but in paper this match still shouldn’t be particularly close. I expect Zverev to again wobble for a set before regaining his composure and securing a third round berth. Zverev in 4
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