{"id":84233,"date":"2025-05-26T14:00:28","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T18:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=84233"},"modified":"2025-05-26T17:41:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T21:41:18","slug":"french-open-mens-day-3-predictions-djokovic-mcdonald","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2025\/05\/26\/french-open-mens-day-3-predictions-djokovic-mcdonald\/","title":{"rendered":"French Open Men’s Day 3 Predictions Including Novak Djokovic vs Mackenzie McDonald"},"content":{"rendered":"

The French Open continues on day 3 with 20 men’s singles matches, including three-time champion Novak Djokovic squaring off against Mackenzie McDonald. Our other prediction pieces feature Alexander Zverev vs Learner Tien<\/a>, Daniil Medvedev vs Cameron Norrie<\/a>, Jack Draper vs Matteo Bellucci<\/a>, and Gael Monfils vs Hugo Dellien<\/a>. Ateet Shrivastava, Nurein Ahmed, and Tope Oke offer their insights. But who will advance to the second round?<\/p>\n

French Open Men’s Day 3 Predictions<\/h2>\n

Jesper de Jong vs Francesco Passaro<\/h4>\n

Ateet<\/em>
\nJesper de Jong showed some brilliant form in Rome and will be confident about performing at a high level here. De Jong defeated Jack Draper and pushed Carlos Alcaraz here last year, showing his toughness on clay. Francesco Passaro has also had a couple of solid wins this month and can keep this match close if he plays at his best. However, the Dutch player remains the favourite to come out on top.
\nPrediction: de Jong in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Nurein<\/em>
\nThis should be a baseline grind that could have four or five sets. De Jong is undoubtedly a player with a compelling clay resume and was impressive in Rome. Passaro\u2019s shot tolerance is just a level or two below the Dutchman, and there is a question mark regarding his fitness after his retirement at the Turin Challenger.
\nPrediction: de Jong in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Tope<\/em>
\nThe two have met once before at the Challenger level, with De Jong winning that encounter against Passaro in three sets last year on the clay courts of Cagliari. Both athletes are adept on this surface, and while the match is expected to be closely contested, the same outcome is expected.
\nPrediction: de Jong in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Pierre-Hugues Herbert vs Benjamin Bonzi<\/h4>\n

Ateet<\/em>
\nBonzi failed to qualify for the main draw last year, but this time he gets an automatic entry due to his rise in rankings. Bonzi looked great in Madrid before withdrawing mid-match against Taylor Fritz. Playing against an experienced compatriot won\u2019t be easy, but I believe he will win this match if he is fully fit.
\nPrediction: Bonzi in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Nurein<\/em>
\nIt\u2019s an all-French clash that will divide the crowd, but at least one home favorite will be in the second round of the French Open. Both players last won a match in this tournament five years ago (main draw). Bonzi is probably the favorite because he\u2019s been playing well, but it depends on how well he\u2019s recovered from the injury he sustained in Madrid.
\nPrediction: Bonzi in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Tope<\/em>
\nThis all-French encounter will see former doubles partners Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Benjamin Bonzi square up for a place in the second round. While the former has won a Challenger title this year, Bonzi\u2019s trade has been limited by injuries, and I am unsure if he is fully fit. I will back Herbert to edge a win.
\nPrediction: Herbert in 5<\/em><\/p>\n

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