Roger Federer makes his first visit back to Roland Garros since 2019, starting against qualifier Denis Istomin. Casper Ruud, one of 2021’s breakout stars, will also be in first-round action against the controversial Benoit Paire.
(8) Roger Federer vs. (Q) Denis Istomin
Roger Federer can’t be disappointed in the identity of his first-round opponent. Denis Istomin has seven consecutive losses to the 20-time Grand Slam champion-and zero wins to date. With Federer coming in midway through the 2021 season off knee surgery and recovery, the Swiss great is much less match fit than he has been at any other time in his career. But he’s still Federer, and the obvious matchup issue won’t have gone away for Istomin.
Istomin’s ranking has plummeted to No. 204 in the world. He has struggled mightily, even on the Challenger circuit. The Uzbek did well to get through three rounds of qualifying last week to earn his spot opposite Federer, but that’s likely as far as he will get.
Federer has played exactly three matches this year, with two losses to show for his efforts. He still sits at world No. 8 thanks in no small part to the pandemic rankings freeze. With Federer still shaking off the rust, this match could be closer than usual–but the 39-year-old should slide through to round two.
Cheryl pick: Federer in 3
Ricky pick: Federer in 4
(15) Casper Ruud vs. Benoit Paire
Norway’s Casper Ruud has to be considered the breakout star of the 2021 European clay-court swing. The world No. 16 has quietly gone about the business of making the semifinals or better in his last three clay-court events. His success includes semifinal showings at both the Monte-Carlo and Madrid Masters events. He won the 250 tournament in Geneva a week ago.
Ruud will take on the controversial Frenchman Benoit Paire, who is an astonishing 2-14 in 2021. He enters tournament after tournament only to lose his first match almost every time. That he runs into a legitimate contender in Ruud should mean a comprehensive victory for the Norwegian.
Cheryl pick: Ruud in 3
Ricky pick: Ruud in 3
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