The first round of men’s singles at the French Open wraps up on Day 3. To conclude the round, we are treated to 20 matches on Tuesday. As always, our writers here at LastWordOnTennis share their thoughts on all of the matches. We split the day’s 20 matches between this and four other articles. The other articles feature Alexander Bublik vs Gregoire Barrere, Casper Ruud vs Felipe Meligeni Alves, David Goffin vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and Holger Rune vs Dan Evans. Predicting today’s matches are Jim Smith, Jordan Reynolds, and Damian Kust. Who do you think will advance?
There isn’t much between this pair on paper. But Roberto Carballes Baena is probably the more accomplished clay-courter and he is also having a better year than Constant Lestienne. The advantage of playing on home turf might be enough to see Lestienne into the second round, but the Spaniard looks the likelier winner.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 4
Jordan:
Lestienne is the kind of player who can suddenly come alive when it is not expected. He will need to do that against his Spanish opponent, who is usually rock solid on clay. Lestienne becoming inspired is not impossible,but not quite likely enough for me to back him against Carballes Baena.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 4
