Three interesting third-round matches to get into from the French Open today, and clay always makes things a little unpredictable when the names get close in quality. Who do you think makes it through to the quarters?
French Open Predictions
Joao Fonseca vs Novak Djokovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fonseca has been one of the most exciting stories on tour this year and reaching the third round in Paris is another solid result for the young Brazilian, but this is a completely different challenge. Djokovic on clay, even at 37, is still one of the best players in the world on this surface, and first meetings against Novak rarely go the way of the younger player.
Fonseca has the weapons to make it uncomfortable for stretches and I wouldn't be surprised if he takes a set, but Djokovic's ability to just not panic when things get tight in long rallies is something that takes years to develop. Djokovic gets through this one.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Alex De Minaur vs Jakub Mensik
Head-to-head: De Minaur 5-0 Mensik
Five from five is a pretty emphatic record, and the fact that Mensik hasn't managed to take a set off De Minaur yet tells you something real about how that matchup plays out. De Minaur's speed and consistency on clay make life very hard for a player like Mensik, who needs clean ball-striking and short points to cause damage. That's not what he gets against Alex.
Hard to see this being competitive at all, though Mensik is talented enough that he'll probably push for a set at some point.
Prediction: Minaur in 3
Casper Ruud vs Tommy Paul
Head-to-head: Ruud 4-2 Paul
Ruud leading this H2H 4-2, which includes wins on multiple clay swing events, on a surface he's made his home for most of his career makes a lot of sense, and Paul has historically struggled to impose his game against players who can construct clay-court points patiently. Ruud's movement and topspin backhand make that style of tennis very natural for him here in Paris.
I feel like Paul will be competitive and the third set could go either way, but Ruud's clay credentials and the head-to-head give him the clearer path through and should still find a way to get through here, all things considered.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire