Day 5 at Roland Garros will see Andy Murray and Juan Martin Del Potro looking to avoid early upsets, American John Isner is also in action, while Nick Kyrgios and Kevin Anderson will match wits, and serves in the second round. Steen Kirby and Sam Barker are on hand to offer their preview and predictions for the day’s best action.
(1)Andy Murray vs. Martin Klizan
Steen: Andy Murray has a h2h win over Klizan (last year), and came through in round 1 in four sets, showing potential signs that he could still make a run in Paris and find his game again. Klizan needed five sets in the opening round, and although fatigue isn’t an immediate concern, consistency is. Klizan has shotmaking talent but he makes too many errors to defeat a player like Murray, who puts a lot of balls into play. Murray in 4
Sam: There are plenty of question marks hanging over Andy Murray heading into Roland Garros and his mixed display in round one did little to allay worries. Klizan had a dramatic opening round match against wildcard Lokoli but Murray typically does well against left-handers and should progress. Murray in 4
(29)Juan Martin Del Potro vs. Nicolas Almagro
Steen: Del Potro has won the last three meetings and although Almagro is a solid dirtballer Del Potro’s power should be too much. This draw is open for the Argentine to make a memorable run, and he should seize the moment. Del Potro in 3
Sam: This one is poised on a knife-edge. Del Potro is a better player but there are concerns over his fitness and Almagro is always a danger, especially on clay. The longer this match goes on the harder it will be for the Argentinian and I think Almagro may steal this in a fifth set. Almagro in 5
(21)John Isner vs. Paolo Lorenzi
Steen: Isner and Lorenzi both snapped losing streaks to make the second round. Lorenzi is a solid dirtballer but Isner has too much power, and he should hold his serve too consistently against Lorenzi, who doesn’t have much of a serve to speak of. Isner in 4
Sam: A real David versus Goliath in terms of both stature and power. This contrast in style will make an intriguing contest but one that Isner should emerge victorious from. There will be no victory for David this time. Isner in 4
(13)Tomas Berdych vs. Karen Khachanov
Steen: Khachanov is a rising young gun, but he runs into the steady veteran Berdych, who has six wins in his last eight matches and has found some form on clay. Khachanov could play his best tennis and win this, but Berdych is superior in most facets. Berdych in 4
Sam: A year ago Khachanov looked like a strong future prospect and that may still be the case but his form has stagnated of late. Berdych is much the same as he has always been – strong if largely unspectacular – and this is the kind of match he should stroll through with little bother. Berdych in 3
(18)Nick Kyrgios vs. Kevin Anderson
Steen: Although Anderson’s game isn’t built for clay, he’s had a solid run of form on the surface, including five wins in his last seven matches on the surface. Kyrgios eased past Kohlschreiber in the opening round and although he doesn’t enjoy clay, he has plenty of power and punch on the surface. Anderson will need to stretch Kyrgios around the court to pull this off, but Kyrgios should serve good enough to prevail. Kyrgios in 4
Sam: Few would have been surprised if Kyrgios has fallen in round one in a tricky tie against Kohlschreiber but he came through in third gear. Despite Anderson’s decent form there is little doubt that Kyrgios is the better of the big servers and should come through this comfortably. Kyrgios in 3
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