The second day of the French Open promises thrilling tennis with 24 captivating first-round matches lined up. As always, the LWOT team will provide predictions for each match, including showdowns like Jannik Sinner vs Arthur Rinderknech, Casper Ruud vs Albert Ramos Vinolas, Carlos Alcaraz vs Giulio Zeppieri, Holger Rune vs Roberto Bautista Agut, and Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The question remains: who will progress?
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Daniel Altmaier vs Taylor Fritz
Ilemona believes Taylor Fritz stands out as the favorite against Daniel Altmaier. Although Altmaier has previously toppled higher-ranked competitors on clay, Fritz’s current form suggests he could prevail in four sets.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Damian notes that Altmaier has pulled off surprises before at Roland Garros and is adept at managing high-pressure situations. He believes this match could lean towards Altmaier but ultimately picks Fritz.
Prediction: Fritz in 5
Tope argues that Fritz is in for a challenging match, as the clay surface may level the players’ abilities. Altmaier enters with confidence, and Tope sees potential for an upset.
Prediction: Altmaier in 5
Hugo Gaston vs Ugo Blanchet
Ilemona considers Hugo Gaston the favorite, but recent inconsistencies leave room for an upset from qualifier Ugo Blanchet, who enters with positive momentum. This all-French contest might unfold as a tightly contested match.
Prediction: Blanchet in 5
Damian points out that, despite Blanchet’s qualification being a pleasant surprise, the absence of crowd support could impact the match dynamics. He believes Gaston’s unique style may leave opportunities for Blanchet to capitalize.
Prediction: Blanchet in 5
Yesh feels that Blanchet’s momentum could be stifled by a lack of crowd support against Gaston, who, despite his issues, is more experienced overall.
Prediction: Gaston in 3
Marcos Giron vs Tallon Griekspoor
Ilemona points out that Tallon Griekspoor, having a slight edge on clay and a strong head-to-head record, is likely to defeat Marcos Giron, although Giron may manage to grab a set.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 4
Damian also sees Griekspoor as a potential dark horse for the tournament, particularly given Giron’s limitations on clay.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 4
Tope acknowledges both players’ robust styles and Griekspoor’s advantage due to better experience on clay courts.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 4
Yoshihito Nishioka vs Alexei Popyrin
Ilemona highlights that Alexei Popyrin has recently shown better form, arriving at Roland Garros after some promising performances. Nishioka’s lack of match fitness could put him at a disadvantage.
Prediction: Popyrin in 5
Damian feels that Popyrin’s solid performance might be strong enough to overcome Nishioka, even if both players haven’t been at their best recently.
Prediction: Popyrin in 4
Yesh expresses frustration at Popyrin’s inconsistent performance, but believes he should still overcome Nishioka given the latter’s current struggles.
Prediction: Popyrin in 4
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
