With Dominic Thiem already out of the French Open, will Novak Djokovic follow? It’s highly unlikely, but Tennys Sandgren will give it his best effort. We have predictions for all of the French Open matches on day 3, in four other articles. One features Matteo Berrettini vs Taro Daniel, another headlines Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin, the third highlights Gael Monfils vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas, and the fourth features Hugo Gaston vs Richard Gasquet.
Novak Djokovic vs Tennys Sandgren
Yesh Ginsburg: Maybe at the Australian Open, Tennys Sandgren could keep a set close against a top player. On clay? Expect an easy blowout. Djokovic in 3
Eric Han: A tough match-up for Sandgren, but I really do not see the American being able to trouble the world no.1 here at all. Djokovic to advance in ease. Djokovic in 3
Damian Kust: The World No. 1 looked like he didn’t want to be on the court for most of his Belgrade trophy run, but he should be much more motivated once he gets to the Grand Slam stage. Sandgren took a set off Djokovic in the past but this matchup is likely even harder for him in slower conditions. Djokovic in 3
Philipp Kohlschreiber vs Fernando Verdasco
Yesh: These two aging players used to consistently reach Slam second weeks. Now? They’re fighting to stay relevant, and Verdasco has done a better job of holding up. Verdasco in 4
Eric: Two experienced veterans fighting it out here at the French Open. Both players are way past their prime, but Verdasco’s best results of his career being on clay, should be able to give him an advantage in this match up. Verdasco in 4
Damian: Is it 2009 again? Two players who recently fell out of the top 100 for the first time in over 15 years will face each other in a throwback Tuesday matchup. The head-to-head is tied on clay with the last meeting taking place back in 2010. Verdasco actually looked decent against Mannarino and Pouille in Belgrade last week, although then he only got two games from eventual runner-up Molcan. Struggle tennis. Verdasco in 5
Kevin Anderson vs Kwon Soon-Woo
Yesh: Kevin Anderson was once a Top 5 player for a reason. He’s working his way back to full health and good form, but his serve should push him through this match. Anderson in 4
Eric: Anderson’s game is less effective on clay, but has still made the fourth round at the French Open four times in his career. We will see where Anderson’s game is at the moment, considering how he has not played much tennis as of late, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt. Anderson in 4
Damian: Anderson is probably an underrated clay-court player, although he’s once again hampered by injuries. His only event on this surface in 2021 ended in a quarterfinal retirement. However, with Kwon usually not a threat on the dirt at all, it’s likely that if the South African is healthy, he should triumph. Anderson in 4
Jenson Brooksby vs Aslan Karatsev
Yesh: I really like Jenson Brooksby. The former NCAA player has real potential. Karatsev is just too good right now, though. He’s playing like a near-elite player. Karatsev in 4
Eric: Karatsev, one of the most in-form players of 2021, will be looking forward to getting his Roland Garros campaign started. The Russian should advance here without many issues. Karatsev in 4
Damian: The qualifying campaign was once again a great display of Brooksby’s grit and never-give-up attitude, but also his sensational tennis skills. Provided he isn’t too exhausted from the battles he had to endure, he could give Karatsev a test. After all, he’s on a 13-match winning streak. Karatsev in 5
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