It should be an entertaining seventh day at the French Open with a number of star names set to take to the court, including one three-time champion. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all eight matches on the slate, including Daniil Medvedev vs Tomas Machac. But who will secure their spot in the second week?
French Open Day 7 Predictions
Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Musetti
Jim: Novak Djokovic has had an indifferent season, particularly by his immaculate standards, but he has reached the third round without really looking troubled with the Majors invariably bringing the best out of the Serb. Lorenzo Musetti has also looked sharp and took Djokovic the distance last time they met in Paris. He may well take a set once again, but expect Djokovic to have enough to advance.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Damian: This is the one where we should learn if Djokovic can raise his level, provided Musetti plays well enough to push him. But the Italian is usually extra motivated at Roland Garros and led the world #1 by two sets to love here in 2021. He also forced the Serbian to bring some of his best level this year in Monte Carlo in April and will likely get that from Djokovic again if he makes him have to earn it.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Ateet: Djokovic hasn’t played that well on clay since Monte Carlo, but his level against Carballes Baena gives good signs. Musetti has also looked subpar for much of this year but looked great against Gael Monfils. They met in Monte Carlo in April, which Djokovic won quite easily at the end despite a strong start from Musetti. The Italian can be too flashy and stubborn at times but he can produce some great level on his day. This is a slam and I expect Djokovic to come through it.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
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Taylor Fritz vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
Jim: Thanasi Kokkinakis has delivered a timely reminder of his quality this week with a hard-fought five-set win over his countryman Alexei Popyrin before he battled past Giulio Zeppieri from two-sets down. But it is questionable how much he will have left in the tank after that effort to go again against an in-form Taylor Fritz, who is a cut above the opposition he has faced thus far.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Damian: Fritz has been pushing through the draw somewhat quietly, but that was to be expected as his first few rounds were pretty pleasant. Kokkinakis can play great tennis on clay with his spin-heavy forehand and while it’s certainly not beyond him to push the American, it will probably be yet another solid display from Fritz. Won’t make headlines, but will get him through.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Ateet: Fritz has really found his form on clay. He beat Dusan Lajovic in the second round, who is a proper clay courter, and played extremely well at times. Fritz faces Kokkinakis in the third round. Kokkinakis put up a great fighting spirit to come back from 2 sets down and win his match against Zeppieri. He has already played 2 five-setters and will be somewhat tired against a tougher opponent.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
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Holger Rune vs Jozef Kovalik
Jim: Holger Rune did it the hard way in the second round, squandering a two sets to love lead before eventually winning it in five. That might give him confidence, but given how hard he has found it to generate any momentum this season, it seems more likely that it will put a dent in his belief. Which may spell trouble against a fired-up Jozef Kovalik.
Prediction: Kovalik in 5
Damian: What a run it’s been for Kovalik, who’s enjoying an awesome season and turned his lucky loser opportunity into something special here – having been 0/9 in Grand Slam events, he took down Giron and Khachanov to make the third round. Rune will likely be a step too far with the Dane reacting very well to the challenge that Cobolli threw at him on Thursday.
Prediction: Rune in 4
Ateet: Rune played a gutsy brand of tennis being down 0-5 in the final set tiebreak to clinch the win from the jaws of defeat against Flavio Cobolli. It might prove to be a very important win for Rune. After finally winning a main draw match at a Slam after so many tries, Kovalik decided he wasn’t done yet! He was down two sets but somehow came back to shock Karen Khachanov. This was an incredible win for the lucky loser and one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Rune has a very winnable match and he would like to do it more easily.
Prediction: Rune in 4
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Alex de Minaur
Jim: Alex de Minaur has been making light of the difficult conditions so far in Paris, racing past Alex Michelsen and Jaume Munar. But Jan-Lennard Struff will pose a rather different challenge. De Minaur is quick enough around the court and a good enough returner to hold his own against the hard-hitting German, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to counterpunch effectively enough to deny Struff time on the ball.
Prediction: Struff in 4
Damian: Struff has been pretty special this clay season, only losing to Alcaraz, Sinner, and Tsitsipas (and taking a set in two of these matches). The way he dispatched Burruchaga and Bublik so far has also been a proper statement and while de Minaur is a step up in terms of quality, the German is confidently the better player of the two on this surface.
Prediction: Struff in 4
Ateet: Struff put up a clinical performance in his second-round match to extend his brilliant clay season. He can be a dark horse to go very deep in the tournament. De Minaur is into the third round for the first time at the French Open. He has played amazingly so far but he will face a big test against Struff. The German player will attack de Minaur’s serve and rush him. I give the advantage to Struff on clay.
Prediction: Struff in 4
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports