Roland Garros - Day 7
Barrere G. vs. Bublik A.
Barrere, a solid local player, prefers to play from the baseline without immediately going for aggressive shots. Being left-handed, he varies his serve and subsequent strokes, particularly his forehand, which he uses to create heavy, challenging balls for his opponents. On the other hand, Bublik is a highly talented player who plays aggressively from the start with his serve and forehand, aiming to keep rallies short. His biggest weakness is his mental game, but when he's focused, he's unbeatable. This match could be entertaining and balanced, but Bublik's mental lapses could benefit Barrere.
Bellucci M. vs. Tiafoe F.
Both players rely more on variation than power. Despite the significant difference in rankings, Tiafoe is currently struggling with his game and making numerous errors. Given that he's not the fastest player on the tour, this match isn't straightforward. Bellucci needs to capitalize on opportunities, especially targeting Tiafoe's slow forehand preparation. This could be a competitive match, but Tiafoe's experience might give him the edge.
Barruchaga R.A. vs. Struff J.L.
Barruchaga is effective on these courts, loves long rallies, and frequently changes the ball's spin. Struff, being tall and aggressive, scores many points with his serve and forehand, often approaching the net. The match's outcome depends largely on Struff, who usually makes few errors despite his aggressive style. Although he might struggle with slower returns, he should win comfortably.
Cobolli F. vs. Medjedovic H.
Cobolli, fresh off a final in Geneva, is playing well with a mix of aggression and consistency. Medjedovic, having played three qualifying matches, is familiar with the court and could use this to challenge Cobolli from the start. Medjedovic is also solid from the baseline but uncertain at the net. This could be a close match, potentially going to five sets.
Draper J. vs. De Jong J.
Draper is a powerful player, scoring most of his points with his serve and forehand. However, his physical condition remains a concern in long matches. De Jong prefers longer rallies and uses a varied forehand to challenge his opponents. His service percentages will be crucial given Draper's aggressive return position. Draper is favored, but his fitness is a question mark.
Heide G. vs. Baez S.
This match features two South American players who excel in rallies and variations. Both players, being short and not very strong on serve, use wide trajectories and extreme recoveries to force errors. The match will hinge on return games, and while Baez’s experience might give him an edge, a comeback win for Heide is possible.
Kovalik J. vs. Giron M.
Both players prefer slow courts to better vary their game and avoid giving their opponents reference points. Giron has a better backhand to open up the court, and despite not being powerful, he likes to return close to the baseline. Kovalik risks a lot with his serve, often looking to close with his forehand. This match is unpredictable, and Kovalik could surprise Giron.
Maroszan F. vs. Kukushkin M.
Both players prefer faster courts where their forehands are more effective. Maroszan is struggling but had a good run in Paris last year. He needs to minimize errors with his forehand and make Kukushkin, who is older and slower, move. Kukushkin will try to exploit Maroszan's uncertainties but must serve well to have a chance against the young Hungarian.
Misolic F. vs. O'Connell C.
Misolic, an experienced player on this surface, likes to push with his serve and forehand, while O'Connell, preferring faster courts, might struggle with the slow Parisian clay. Misolic’s kick serve to O'Connell’s one-handed backhand could be a key tactic. O'Connell can be a tough opponent if he's in form, making Misolic work hard.
Monteiro T. vs. Kecmanovic M.
Monteiro excels on this slow Parisian clay, pushing with his serve and left-handed forehand. Kecmanovic, an experienced player, relies on his backhand, and the match could revolve around that diagonal. Kecmanovic needs to avoid many second serves, where Monteiro is particularly effective. This could be an entertaining match likely to go four sets, with Monteiro eventually prevailing.
Nardi L. vs. Muller A.
Both players are strong on these courts. Nardi thrives in rallies, using varied solutions from his backhand and drop shots to make his opponent run. Muller, a left-hander, relies heavily on his slice serve to open the court for his forehand. This could be a close match, with Nardi's ability to handle pressure being crucial.
Navone M. vs. Carreno-Busta P.
Navone plays well on these courts, using his left-handed forehand effectively. Despite being small, he serves well and moves quickly. Carreno-Busta prefers hard courts but doesn’t dislike clay. His best shot is the forehand, and he could trouble Navone by targeting his backhand. Navone is favored, but first-match nerves could play a role.
Nishioka Y. vs. Auger-Aliassime F.
Both players prefer faster surfaces but have adapted well to clay. Despite Auger-Aliassime’s higher ranking, he has struggled against Nishioka's varied game in the past. The slow courts might cause Auger-Aliassime to make more errors, and Nishioka’s strong start could trouble him. However, Auger-Aliassime’s superior overall game should see him through.
Norrie C. vs. Kotov P.
Norrie, a left-hander, serves well and uses variations with his forehand and backhand. His preparation is methodical, which might be a disadvantage on second serves against Kotov, who plays aggressively. Kotov varies his game and makes his opponents run, but he tends to make errors under pressure. This could be a tight match, with Norrie likely prevailing.
Popyrin A. vs. Kokkinakis T.
Both players prefer fast surfaces, relying heavily on their serve and forehand. Popyrin is in better form and serves better, but Kokkinakis, the more powerful player, is unpredictable. This could be a match decided by tie-breaks, with Kokkinakis potentially edging out a close contest.