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 Daniil Medvedev vs Dominik Koepfer. Predicting today’s matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Yesh Ginsburg.
French Open Day 2 Predictions
Jozef Kovalik vs Marcos Giron
Jordan:
There will be many long rallies in this matchup. Giron grinds hard in every match, although clay is not his most natural surface. This could easily go either way but I will back the American.
Prediction: Giron in 5
Damian:
Kovalik has been in amazing form this year and he was so close to dominating his qualifying campaign, suddenly remembering he hasn’t made a Slam main draw in ages and choking his lead against Burruchaga away. But this second chance sounds pretty realistic? Giron is the better player overall, but is he the better clay-courter? How quickly will Kovalik get his confidence back?
Prediction: Kovalik in 5
Yesh:
Giron is better and has a habit of peaking for the Majors. I’d expect the American to win at least this one here.
Prediction: Giron in 4
Daniel Elahi Galan vs Lorenzo Musetti
Jordan:
Galan is very mercurial. Musetti will need to be ready to deal with many fluctuations in his opponent’s level during the match. The Italian is best placed to handle that challenge on a clay court.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Damian:
They played about a month ago and Musetti was extremely dominant in that one. It’s been a very wild clay season for him with lots of early losses and the saving grace in the two Challenger 175 finals. But even there, he had some weird moments with fluctuating focus and motivation. He usually brings it for the French though.
Prediction: Musetti in 4
Yesh:
This pair met three weeks ago and Musetti absolutely dominated that match. Zero reason to expect this one to go any differently.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
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Cameron Norrie vs Pavel Kotov
Jordan:
Kotov can hit through opponents successfully on any surface at his best. However, it is particularly hard to do that against Norrie on clay. The Briton’s athleticism and skillfulness puts him in a good place to win this match.
Prediction: Norrie in 4
Damian:
Level-wise these two seem evenly matched, it’s probably even Kotov who has the upper hand and certainly more firepower. But we know how good Norrie is at grinding out wins and if the Russian can’t close this one relatively quickly, it might just be yet another five-setter claimed by the durable Brit.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Yesh:
Norrie has fallen pretty far from his Top 10 self, but there’s no real reason for it. His game used to just be too solid, and he’s lost a tiny bit off it. He’ll get back there, though. Consistency like his can’t stay away forever.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
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Ben Shelton vs Hugo Gaston
Jordan:
Gaston is a good disruptor when he is firing. A home crowd will help him to do just that and find inspiration. Shelton has improved on clay and deservedly starts as the favourite. But something tells me Gaston’s awkward style could translate particularly well on clay to make it difficult for Shelton and cause an upset.
Prediction: Gaston in 5
Damian:
Shelton lost to Mannarino at the Australian Open and there are some similarities between the gameplans that the two Frenchmen can try to pull off against him. But Gaston is also more vulnerable to overwhelming power and might not get enough time to properly mess with Shelton off the ground. It’s a rather tricky opener for the American.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Yesh:
Ben Shelton is the future of American tennis. He’s very reminiscent of a young Andy Roddick, and I’m not sure there’s a Roger Federer equivalent waiting in the wings to derail his career. Clay is his weakest surface, but he’s not too uncomfortable on it.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports