We have reached the second slam of the year as the best players in the world have descended upon Paris, France, for the 2024 French Open. As always, we at LWOT have roundtable previews and predictions for all matches happening around the grounds of Paris. Damian Kust and Jordan Reynolds are on the predictions for the four matches below.
French Open Day 1 Predictions
Hubert Hurkacz vs Shintaro Mochizuki
Damian: Hurkacz is a second week at Roland Garros away from calling this by far his best-ever clay-court season. This seems pretty realistic as the draw is rather kind to him in the first few rounds, including this one. The serve should stand strong and there’s just not that much that Mochizuki can hurt him with. Hurkacz in 3
Jordan: Hurkacz’s game has become very solid on all surfaces, proving his game is about more than just his serve. Mochizuki will find it tough to live with the Pole. The Japanese player’s serve is particularly attackable and he is likely to be under pressure throughout this match. Hurkacz in 3
Pedro Martinez vs Thiago Tirante
Damian: The highlights have been extremely strong for Martinez this clay season and while he didn’t avoid a few duds, everyone knows by now how strong his peak game is. Tirante should be a rather comfortable draw for him given the Argentinian is usually at his best only in much faster clay conditions at altitude. Martinez in 4
Jordan: Despite a setback a few days ago in Lyon, Martinez has enjoyed a very good clay-court season. He is rock solid in all departments and it will be tough for Tirante to hit through him. Martinez to come through in straight sets in a match that will be filled with several long rallies. Martinez in 3
Jack Draper vs Jesper de Jong
Damian: De Jong qualified and won a round at the Australian Open, can he do the same here? The task seems significantly tougher, but it’s not the end of the world either. The Dutchman found a really strong level in the qualifying and with his heavy forehand plus pretty physical game, will force Draper to work hard for the win here. Draper in 5
Jordan: De Jong was one of the most impressive players in qualifying, winning all three of his matches in qualifying. Draper’s recent form has been patchy. However, his best level is still better than De Jong’s. The Briton’s superior firepower off his forehand especially makes him the favourite but this could be a tighter match than many expect. Draper in 5
Nicolas Jarry vs Corentin Moutet
Damian: Moutet beat Jarry earlier in Santiago this year in a match where the crowd was going crazy for the Chilean. The French will do the same here and this will likely be one of the loudest matches of the round. Jarry is coming off that Rome final, but he needs to be very careful to avoid going out early with the tricky style of Moutet. Jarry in 5
Jordan: Jarry is capable of making a strong run at Roland-Garros, with his blistering tennis during his run to the final in Rome proving that. Moutet is a disruptor and will need to get the home French fans involved to try and inspire him to have a chance. But he is unlikely to knock Jarry off his stride, even if the crowd do become vocal. Jarry in 4
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
