Day seven at the French Open promises plenty of exciting action with eight third-round matches on the slate in Paris. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Musetti. But who will secure their spot in the fourth round at Roland Garros?
French Open Day 7 Predictions
Daniil Medvedev vs Tomas Machac
Jim: Daniil Medvedev clearly still does not enjoy clay as much as he does hard courts, or even the grass, but he has shown a new affinity for the red dirt over the last two years. He is, however, facing a player in superb form in Tomas Machac with the Czech showing in Geneva that he can mix it with the best in the business. In the end, Medvedev’s variety might just mean he proves a challenge too far for Machac.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Damian: Medvedev’s draw is a bit scrappy and getting that quick retirement from Kecmanovic really helps as that also could have been a slogfest. Machac is so high on confidence right now after making the Geneva final and beating Djokovic along the way, but hitting through Medvedev with his very aggressive style might actually be tricky in slow conditions.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Ateet: Daniil Medvedev has found his rhythm on serve and serving as well as ever. He is looking very confident on clay which is a great sign. The rainy conditions are also suiting his game so it will be interesting to see how he plays when the sun is out. Tomas Machac did well to escape the comeback from Navone. He is good on clay and can make Medvedev work for his points but Medvedev is in a great space at the moment and should prevail.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
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Casper Ruud vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Jim: Casper Ruud enjoyed some difficult moments against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, but ultimately emerged with a creditable victory against a player ranked 32nd in the world. He will face another tough test against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, but unfortunately for the Argentine, the two are very similar players save that Ruud does most things that much better.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Damian: Ruud was pushed to five sets by Davidovich Fokina and his draw isn’t really getting better from here, but the Norwegian has been in great shape this year and should be able to handle it all? The physical nature of playing against Etcheverry shouldn’t be that much of a factor yet either, despite Ruud coming off the Geneva title last week.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Ateet: Ruud did extremely well to navigate through a tricky second-round match. Ruud played some very good tennis in pressure moments to stay ahead in the match. Etcheverry won’t be easy but it’s hard to see him trouble Ruud for five sets, like Davidovich Fokina did.
Prediction: Ruud in 4
Tommy Paul vs Francisco Cerundolo
Jim: Tommy Paul benefitted from Fabio Fognini’s indifferent showing in the second round, but it was a solid showing from the American all the same. Francisco Cerundolo will likely offer rather more resistance, but don’t be surprised to see Paul advance here.
Prediction: Paul in 5
Damian: This has been a pretty interesting rivalry with five meetings in the past two years, all ending in a deciding set. It should be really close here again with Paul having a strong if unspectacular clay season, while Cerundolo is more up and down but has been very clean in Paris so far. Let’s say it goes to a decider again and it’s Argentinian who has the higher upside in patches.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 5
Ateet: Paul continued his excellent run on clay as he destroyed Fabio Fognini in the second round at the French Open. He is constructing points patiently and attacking anything short. He has found a good mix of hard court and clay court tennis. He is also one of the fastest athletes on tour right now. He faces his toughest challenge so far in Cerundolo. The Argentinian beat Paul in Madrid in a close encounter and these slower courts should favour his game. This is a tough one to call but Paul’s disruptive game gives him an edge.
Prediction: Paul in 5
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Alexander Zverev vs Tallon Griekspoor
Jim: Alexander Zverev looks like he will take some stopping in Paris this year, with the slow conditions favouring his hard-hitting style. His weaker second serve may well be exposed by the very best in the business. But Tallon Griekspoor may struggle to live with Zverev’s power from the back of the court.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Damian: Griekspoor is struggling with an injury and playing at the French Open on painkillers, but you wouldn’t have guessed that based on his performance against Luciano Darderi at all. We can’t know if this ordeal won’t hit him hard at some point though. Anyway, Zverev is looking the part so far in Paris and it will probably take at least one more round for someone to properly trouble him.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Ateet: Zverev was far from his best against David Goffin but did well to come through in straight sets. Griekspoor played a solid match to win his second-round match against a skilled player. If Zverev is dialled in on his serve, I don’t see Griekspoor getting into this. But if he can make it into a bit of a slugfest he might start annoying Zverev.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports