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French Open: First round matchups analysis-Day matches :from Sonego to Kecmanovic

By Myre Aberdan

Alexander Bublik and Gael Monfils after their clash during the 2020 French Open. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Alexander Bublik and Gael Monfils after their clash during the 2020 French Open. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Gojowczyk v Sonego

A battle of 2 players who have been in the top 50 before. It will come down who is fitter on the day. Either player can win in 3 sets, or the match could go to 5 sets.

Balazs v Cilic

On paper, this should be a non-matchup.

However, Cilic has a reputation for struggling early at grand slams. His marathon 5 set match against Alex de Minaur (in the 2nd round of the US Open 2019) ended past 2am in New York.

Balazs is a player that is very visible on the ATP 250 scene. He has never truly made a run at a grand slam. Perhaps he can make a run against Cilic, given Cilic is susceptible to matches going the distance in early rounds of majors.

Evans v Cerundolo

Cerundolo is a young up and comer. He made the semi final of the Miami Masters 1000, as well as reaching the quarter finals of the Rio Open 500 level tournament, He made his maiden ATP final last season as well at the Argentina Open, losing to none other than Diego Schwartzman. He also made his top 100 and top 50 debut in 2022. Look out for Cerundolo

Evan is Evans. He has made the third and fourth round of majors before, but against tougher opposition, it is unclear if he can take his game to the next level- and play at a top 10-15 level. He is currently seeded at number 29 for the French Open. Take both with what you will

Kecmanovic v Ethcheverry

Kecmanovic has had a breakout season. At the Australian Open, he was set to draw Novak Djokovic in round 1, before his visa was cancelled. Since then, he has had almost a second chance to show his worth, taking Novak’s favourable draw at the Australian Open to propel himself to new heights. He reached the last 16 of the Australian Open, then made the quarter finals at the Rio and Chile Open, as well as Indian Wells and Miami masters 1000 events. He followed that up with a a quarter final at the Serbia Open and semi final at the Bavarian International. Unfortunately, he drew Nadal in the second round of the Madrid Masters,  and also lost early in a tight 3 set match against Schwartzman at the Rome Masters.

Kecmanovic has every reason to expect a few wins at least at the French Open.  His opponent, however, is a clay court specialist, and this will test him .

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