Roger Federer faces young Norwegian Casper Ruud in the third round of the 2019 French Open. Kei Nishikori also looks to continue his tournament, he’s favored against Serbia’s Laslo Djere. Steen Kirby and Jim Smith offer their predictions, and also have predictions for matches featuring Rafael Nadal and Grigor Dimitrov.
Roger Federer vs Casper Ruud
Jim: It’s been a good start for Federer at his first French Open in four years. He looked comfortable in beating both Lorenzo Sonego and Oscar Otte and should feel confident heading into this contest. Casper Ruud is a good player with a solid all-round game, but he doesn’t have any standout weapons to really stretch Federer. As a result, it’s hard to look past the Swiss for this one. Federer in 3
Steen: Ruud is the first truly capable opposition that Federer has faced but I still don’t see him faltering in his return to Paris. Ruud has a bright future and surely he’ll at least push to take a set but in the end Federer’s experience and skill will win the day. Federer in 4
Kei Nishikori vs Laslo Djere
Steen: Nishikori’s 2nd round win in Paris against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was a pleasant surprise and he appears set to win this match as well. Djere is a capable dirtballer but with Kei’s form trending up, and the fact he’s remained fit he’s favored to reach the 2nd week at Roland Garros, something he’s struggled to do in the past. Nishikori in 4
Jim: Nishikori navigated a difficult assignment up against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Chatrier in the second round and he will need to be sharp again when he takes on Djere. The Serbian is a more than competent clay-courter, as his win at the Rio Open illustrates. That said, he doesn’t have the power to blast Nishikori off the court. What he does well, namely constructing points and keeping his opponents on the move, Nishikori does better. Nishikori in 4
Juan Ignacio Londero vs Corentin Moutet
Steen: In addition to the run for Nicolas Mahut (covered in the next match), Corentin Moutet has given French fans something to cheer about as he’s a surprising name in the third round in his home slam. Moutet has a clear future and could develop into the next French talent but Londero is playing some of the best tennis of his career and is set to blossom on this surface. Londero in 3
Jim: This is a fabulous chance for one of these two unheralded names to reach the second week at a Major. Moutet has the added incentive or perhaps burden of it being at his home Slam. Both men have played some fine tennis on their way to the last 32, but Londero is the more experienced and will surely have the edge physically. For Moutet the future is bright, but in 2019 expect it to be Londero’s day. Londero in 4
Nicolas Mahut vs Leonardo Mayer
Steen: Mahut has played shockingly well to reach this stage, he’s a journeyman singles player and clay is not his surface, but the home fans have been delighted by his run of results. Mayer is more traditional on the clay and has certainly shown flashes of ability throughout his career. Neither player is elite but Mayer on this surface simply has to be favored. Mayer in 4
Jim: In another section of the draw that now looks very open, Mahut and Mayer will both like their chances of reaching the second week. It’s been a superb effort from the 37-year-old Mahut on what is now a rare appearance in the singles to reach the third round. But up against the power and clay-court nous of Mayer, his memorable run seems destined to end. Mayer in 4
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