The first round of the 2024 French Open continues on Monday, Day 2 of the event. There are 24 men’s singles matches scheduled, and–as always–we here at LastWordOnTennis share our thoughts on all of them. We split the 24 matches between six articles. Our other five articles feature Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev, Gael Monfils vs Thiago Seyboth Wild, Jannik Sinner vs Christopher Eubanks, Ben Shelton vs Hugo Gaston, and Daniil Medvedev vs Dominik Koepfer. Predicting today’s matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Yesh Ginsburg.
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Yoshihito Nishioka vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Jordan:
Auger-Aliassime is dangerous on any surface. However, he has sometimes struggled against players who extend the rallies on clay, which Nishioka always does. In a long battle, the Japanese competitor could cause a shock in Paris.
Prediction: Nishioka in 5
Damian:
Nishioka defeated Auger-Aliassime in Paris four years ago and pushed him very deep in Madrid last month as well. Both players don’t necessarily love the conditions here and it could be a bit of a slog. The Canadian isn’t suddenly doing much better anywhere else due to his Madrid run at altitude, but he is the favorite in this one.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4
Yesh:
Nishioka actually upset Auger-Aliassime here a few years ago, though that was in different conditions in the fall French Open. On current form, I think I’ll trust the Canadian, even if this matchup isn’t amazing for him.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4
Matteo Arnaldi vs Arthur Fils
Jordan:
This is a fascinating matchup between two improving and powerful players. Each man will try and dictate with their forehands whenever it is possible. Who will do that more often is a real tossup, but I will give the local favorite a very minor edge.
Prediction: Fils in 5
Damian:
Arnaldi leads the head-to-head 3-0 and it’s a brutal draw for Fils, who skipped his Lyon title defense to try to aim for a big run here. Maybe it’s not all over for him quite yet, but he’ll know first-hand how sharp he’ll need to be to hit through the Italian here. They delivered a great a five-setter in New York last year, hopefully this one is similar.
Prediction: Fils in 5
Yesh:
Fils has never beaten Arnaldi before. And while they went to five sets at the US Open last year, it always feels like the Italian has the upper hand in this matchup. Will the local crowd be enough for Fils? I’m guessing not.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 4
Emil Ruusuvuori vs Soon-woo Kwon
Jordan:
This is a tough assignment for Kwon, who has not played many matches since coming back from injury. Ruusuvuori’s recent form is patchy, but this is a good first round draw for him. His firepower is likely to be enough to progress to the next round.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 3
Damian:
Kwon has only played one clay match the last two years and his relationship with his surface has always been challenging at best. Not like Ruusuvuori is in amazing form right now, but even getting a couple of wins in the past two weeks will likely be enough for him to take down Kwon here.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 3
Yesh:
This probably won’t be a fun match. Ruusuvuori isn’t amazing right now, but on clay Kwon is far worse than that.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Marton Fucsovics
Jordan:
Fucsovics has played well on big stages in the past, meaning Tsitsipas needs to be careful here. But the Greek should still come through. Fucsovics will be less able to exploit the Tsitsipas backhand on the Parisian clay, which reduces his chances a lot.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Damian:
Fucsovics is known for maybe not his upsets, but for constantly pushing the top seeds and making them earn their wins. It’s not an ideal first-round opponent for sure and yet Tsitsipas seems like he’ll probably get through this anyway. That’s just how strong he’s been this clay swing, and this event is a huge chance for him if the top seeds don’t shake off their issues.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 4
Yesh:
Tsitsipas has been in great form recently, and he’s looking like a potential threat to win this event. He’s struggled in the final stages of Majors in his careers, but he’s too good to lose before then, even against a player as solid as Fucsovics.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
