French Open R1 previews and predictions: Medvedev vs. Bublik, Goffin vs. Musetti

Daniil Medvedev and David Goffin are not in great form going into the French Open and they have tough opponents on their hands, as well. Medvedev gets things started against Alexander Bublik, while Goffin goes up against Lorenzo Musetti.

Alexander Bublik vs. (2) Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev vs. Bublik should be the most interesting and the most uproarious match of the entire French Open first round. Both guys are combustible characters no matter the situation, and when they are on clay–the worst surface for each of them–things could go especially haywire. The result is likely to be a roller-coaster ride that makes up for with entertainment value what it lacks in quality of tennis.

Despite stealing the No. 2 seed from Rafael Nadal, Medvedev certainly isn’t the second favorite for the title; in fact, he shouldn’t be anywhere close to the top 10 favorites. The Russian has never won a single match at Roland Garros. A relatively in-form Bublik has won 19 matches in 2021, reached the Madrid quarterfinals, and has advanced one round at each of the last two French Opens. With more confidence than Medvedev on the red stuff (which isn’t saying a lot!), the 37th-ranked Kazakh can pull off what would only be a minor upset.

Pick: Bublik in 5

Lorenzo Musetti vs. (13) David Goffin

On paper, Goffin vs. Musetti may be the best matchup of the first round. Goffin is the No. 13 player in the world and Musetti is one of tennis’ brightest rising stars. The reality, though, is that Goffin–despite being ranked 63 spots ahead of his opponent–would do well simply to make this competitive. Since kicking off his clay-court swing with a quarter-final performance in Monte-Carlo, the Belgian is 2-3 with three losses to opponents ranked outside the top 50. It should also be noted that Goffin had lost three consecutive matches prior to Monte-Carlo, as well.

At the other end of the form spectrum is Musetti, who is 13-8 on the main tour in 2021. The 19-year-old’s rise into the top 100 is also thanks to a 2020 season that saw him reach the Rome third round as a qualifier and win a Challenger at home in Italy (on clay). Musetti has advanced at least one round in five straight tournaments and that streak should continue at the expense of a vulnerable opponent.

Pick: Musetti in 4