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, Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Marton Fucsovics, and Ben Shelton vs Hugo Gaston. Predicting today’s matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Yesh Ginsburg.
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Mattia Bellucci vs Frances Tiafoe
Jordan:
Tiafoe’s struggles since the US Open last year mean he was probably desperately hoping for a good opening round draw. Bellucci is not the worst first round opponent to get, although he is capable of solid tennis on the clay. But Tiafoe should still progress. If he loses this, then it will feel like crisis time for the American.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Damian:
Bellucci looked close to a breakthrough when he last made it through Slam qualifying (2023 Australian Open), but things went awry not long after. This isn’t his favorite surface and it’s already a solid achievement to make the main draw. Tiafoe is one of the opponents you want to draw right now though and Bellucci will not go down without a fight here.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 5
Yesh:
Bellucci has a world of potential but he’s nowhere near there yet. Tiafoe’s powerful game should keep him off-balance enough that the American breezes through.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Filip Misolic vs Otto Virtanen
Jordan:
Virtanen is a late entry into this match after the unexpected withdrawal of Christopher O’Connell. That is probably good news for Misolic, who is a tricky opponent on clay. Virtanen has little to lose but that is unlikely to be enough to take him to victory.
Prediction: Misolic in 4
Damian:
Virtanen is such a puzzling player, going from incredible performances to completely losing his focus. The talent is undeniable, though, and his shotmaking against Thiem in qualifying R2 was just off the charts. But clay isn’t his favorite and Misolic should be the one with a better chance here. The Austrian certainly has more range in his ground game and it’s the serve that will be Virtanen’s main (only?) asset.
Prediction: Misolic in 4
Yesh:
Neither of these players are amazing and neither have a matchup advantage. There’s potential on both sides of the net, but this will come down to who handles the situation best. Flip a coin.
Prediction: Virtanen in 4
Fabio Fognini vs Botic van de Zanschulp
Jordan:
Van de Zandschulp has had difficulties this year, but Fognini is far past his prime. That means both players will view this as a good draw. It is likely to be tight but in a best-of-five set format I favor the Dutchman slightly more.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 5
Damian:
Fognini is still capable and will always have the talent, but does he have the physicality? It seems like that’s the only thing stopping him from being able to beat van de Zandschulp right now. It’s a nightmare season for the Dutchman thus far, but if this goes three hours it will be increasingly more difficult to see Fognini prevail.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 5
Yesh:
It’s kind of sad how rapidly (and quietly) Fognini has faded from the upper echelon of the game. Does he have one last fan-service run left in him? Sadly, probably not. But hopefully he surprises us.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 4
Daniil Medvedev vs Dominik Koepfer
Jordan:
Medvedev is not among the favourites to go all the way in Paris but the Russian has shown he is more than capable on the surface when he puts his mind to it. Koepfer has had good results on the dirt in the past and will be a tricky opening round opponent. But I do not expect Medvedev to lose in the first round once again.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Damian:
Medvedev’s draw might not have a proper standout opponent who is guaranteed to bring him to four or five sets, but we know that almost every round can be a slog and then who knows. Even here, he needs to be ready for a gritty contest and Koepfer won’t hand this to him on a silver platter. Expect three hours of play at least.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Yesh:
Medvedev doesn’t love clay, to say the least. But he’s still one of the best players in the world, and for all his antics, he seems to really care about the big events. With this draw, expect him to go deeper than expected here.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
