French Open Day 2 Men's Predictions Including Wawrinka vs de Jong

Day 2 of the French Open will see 24 men’s singles matches as we get into the meat of the first round. The best in the world will fight for their place in Round 2. And, as always, our writers here at LWOT will share their thoughts on who it will be. We split the 24 matches between this article and five others. The other articles feature Tommy Paul vs Rinky Hijikata, Gael Monfils vs Hugo Gaston, Ben Shelton vs Daniel Merida, Casper Ruud vs Roman Safiullin, and Rafael Jodar vs Alexandar Kovacevic. Predicting these matches are Zain Mustafa, Manuel Traquete, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will win?

French Open Day 2 Men’s Predictions

Botic van de Zandschulp vs Francisco Cerundolo

Zain:

Both these players have big weapons that can translate well on the slower clay. While Botic van de Zandschulp’s serve and backhand will pose Francisco Cerundolo some questions, the Argentine’s forehand is legitimately tier A on clay, and on the back of that should see Cerundolo win this match.

Prediction: Cerundolo in 4

Manuel:

Cerundolo might be having a poor clay season, but he should still have a very clear edge over Botic on this surface. He is one of those players who could potentially make a deep run here and a solid first round win might just be what he needs to gain some confidence and momentum.

Prediction: Cerundolo in 2

Ilemona:

Francisco Cerundolo feels right at home on the clay, with his strong topspin and consistency from the baseline. Botic van de Zandschulp can strike the ball cleanly but has had ups and downs on this surface lately. Cerundolo’s recent clay form and comfort in long rallies give him the advantage here.

Prediction: Cerundolo in 3

Emilio Nava vs Camilo Ugo Carabelli

Zain:

Emilio Nava showed a great level throughout the qualifying round, and has a serve that even on clay is effective. But, Camilo Ugo Carabelli is the natural clay courter here. Expect the Argentine to eventually grind out a win.

Prediction: Ugo Carabelli in 4

Manuel:

This is a very close matchup on paper, with very little to separate both players level-wise. That said, Nava put together an excellent campaign in qualifying, playing some very nice tennis, and that momentum might well make the difference in his favor here.

Prediction: Nava in 5

Ilemona:

Emilio Nava has been showing flashes of strong baseline play and improving fitness. Ugo Carabelli knows the clay very well and grinds out points effectively. This should be a tough physical match, but Carabelli’s experience on the dirt tips it in his favor.

Prediction: Ugo Carabelli in 4

Alex Michelsen vs Alexander Shevchenko

Zain:

This will be a ball-striking affair as Alexander Shevchenko’s first-strike approach takes on Alex Michelsen’s more varied attack. While the movement edge goes to the Kazakh here, Michelsen’s ball quality gets the nod to the extent that he should get a well-earned victory to start his French Open campaign.

Prediction: Michelsen in 4

Manuel:

Clay is far from Michelsen’s favorite surface, but he actually played quite well in Geneva last week. If he can keep up that sort of level, he should be able to advance here against a much lower ranked opponent who is also not particularly comfortable on this surface.

Prediction: Michelsen in 4

Ilemona:

Alex Michelsen has some good recent wins but still finds clay challenging at times despite his athleticism. Alexander Shevchenko brings power and can be dangerous when his game clicks. Shevchenko’s overall level and ability to dictate points should help him control this one.

Prediction: Shevchenko in 5

Stan Wawrinka vs Jesper de Jong

Zain:

Initially slated to take on Arthur Fils, Stan Wawrinka will now face lucky loser Jesper de Jong to start off his final ever appearance at the French Open. And while the Dutchman’s rally tolerance can pose Wawrinka some trouble at this age, the Swiss backhand and power from the baseline, with the energy of the crowd, may lead him to a second-round appearance here.

Prediction: Wawrinka in 4

Manuel:

Wawrinka is playing his last ever French Open and, all things considered, he got a very kind draw here, especially given that he was supposed to be facing Arthur Fils initially. He might well be able to get at least one win in his last ever French Open.

Prediction: Wawrinka in 4

Ilemona:

Stan Wawrinka is making what could be his final run at Roland Garros and still has that legendary one-handed backhand that works so well on clay. De Jong has been putting together some solid results on the surface with good movement. Wawrinka’s experience in these big atmospheres and ability to raise his level could see him through in a battle of endurance.

Prediction: Wawrinka in 4

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

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