The king of clay Rafael Nadal takes on Egor Gerasimov to kick off yet another French Open campaign. Our panel of Yesh Ginsburg and Damian Kust make their predictions for Rafa’s match and others on the day 2 order of play.
Rafael Nadal vs Egor Gerasimov
Damian: Egor Gerasimov has a solid game but he won’t be able to hit through the court against the best defender in the sport. This should be very straightforward for Nadal, even if he’s not in his best rhythm yet. Nadal in 3
Yesh: Nadal will be on a mission to claim an unbelievable 13th French Open title. Maybe some people can get in his way, but Gerasimov isn’t it. Nadal in 3
Michael Mmoh vs Pierre Hugues Herbert
Damian: Mmoh rarely plays on clay but he managed to qualify in good shape. Herbert’s craftmanship is great to watch, but his all-court style is by far the least effective on clay. Mmoh will be more familiar with the slower conditions. Mmoh in 5
Yesh: This could be a fun match between two players who back up their serves but don’t finish points particularly well. Some potential for long rallies here. Herbert in 4
Adrian Mannarino vs Albert Ramos
Damian: Albert Ramos is a typical clay-court specialist, with a game tailored to play on this surface. That can’t be said about Mannarino, whose flat strokes do not usually respond well to the clay. Should be pretty easy for Ramos. Ramos in 4
Yesh: Ramos had a bit of a resurgence early last year, but it’s disappeared recently. Mannarino, meanwhile, is quietly very solid. Mannarino in 3
Casper Ruud vs Yuichi Sugita
Damian: Casper Ruud has been in great shape and although he might be getting weary from all the tennis he’s played lately, I definitely see his big topspin strokes getting him through here. Ruud in 3
Yesh: Ruud hasn’t been making huge waves, but he’s one of the most in-form players on tour right now, and he likes this surface. Ruud in 3
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