Coming off his first ATP title in Lyon, Arthur Fils may have his hands full with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at Roland Garros on Monday. First-round action also features a showdown between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Fabio Fognini.
(WC) Arthur Fils vs. (29) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Prioritizing an ATP 250 at the possible expense of a Grand Slam may not be a good idea for everyone, but it was well worth it for Fils even if he loses early at the French Open. In unexpected fashion, Fils captured his first ATP title on the red clay of Lyon–upsetting Francisco Cerundolo in the final on Saturday. It had already been a breakout 2023 campaign for the 18-year-old Frenchman, who has earned all 10 of his tour-level match victories this season and is up to No. 63 in the world.
With only one day off, Fils will face Davidovich Fokina in the Roland Garros first round on Monday. The 34th-ranked Spaniard has been playing well in his own right, with five quarterfinal appearances this year–including at the Indian Wells Masters. Davidovich Fokina is a former Monte-Carlo finalist (2022), so he knows what he is doing on dirt. Needless to say, this is a very tough test for Fils especially considering that the teenager is playing on almost no rest.
Pick: Davidovich Fokina in 5
(10) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Fabio Fognini
Auger-Aliassime and Fognini will be going head-to-head for the second time in their careers on Monday. Their only previous encounter came four years ago on the clay courts of Rio de Janeiro, where Auger-Aliassime cruised 6-2, 6-3.
Although these two players should be going in different directions at this point in their respective careers, it is actually Auger-Aliassime who is reeling these days. The 22-year-old Canadian is just 13-9 this season and is 1-3 in his last four matches dating back to the Miami Open. He gave Fils a walkover in the Lyon quarterfinals, too, because of a shoulder injury. Fognini isn’t playing well, either, but the 36-year-old Italian is in good enough form to capitalize on this opportunity and he should be motivated for what will likely be his final trip to Roland Garros.
Pick: Fognini in 4
who ya got?
Both matches could be fun to watch: ADF in 3; AA in 4.
What happened to Felix? Is being easily outplayed by the Fog.
Is he going to be yet another player who looks good but doesn’t win the big titles?
Foggy is back! Playing good..!
The Fognini match is one I did not copy from Ricky. My brain isn’t working right.
For years I learned not to pick him in Rome because he saves his best for RG.
But Shapalov is one I picked, but I was influenced to change the pick to Nakashima.
I’m ashamed of myself! I usually pick Denis because I love his tennis and don’t care if it’s the wrong pick. Ugh…
Novak is playing a guy I have never seen, an American, Kovacevic.
Handsome guy, Kocacevic.
And Schwartzman wins his match! Again I was swayed not to pick him because he has been cold from the start of clay season. Dang it, and it makes sense now. Diego is getting on in years and wants a GS, namely RG.
Lots of 5 set matches today.
I wish they had the best of 5 matches for WTA. there are thousands of female marathoners worldwide, but they were banned from running marathons in the Olympics until 1984!
Foggy wins in straights!
Pretty awful loss for FAA. This is fourth slam in a row he has gone out early. 2 of them in first round.
Ok apparently FAA has injury issues. But still unconvincing.
Yes, usually, I remember what he does for RG. He gives his best tennis. Forget about his performance in Rome!
I was talking about Fabio Fognini in my last post.
Yes I realise! Elina is playing now. Hope we are not going to hear any boos today. May lose my temper if we do.
So poor Jack Draper had to retire with injury yet again! Is he ever not injured? Has a lot of talent but boy…
Thanks for that info. Amy, I was wondering what happened to Jack Draper.
🙏💝My gosh, Svitolina is back. I mean, she is walking like Queen Elina, I remember. Granted, she was playing Trevisan.
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Yes Elina was very good! Maybe a dark horse?! Where is she in the draw?
Trevisan was pretty poor but still. Elina was pretty convincing.
Gael looks so serious and slightly anxious watching on..
Such a nice couple..
Jealous me. TC does not show anything like a
European livestream did way back when I could get one. This TC shows a bit of tennis and long commercials or their commies chatting so long that there is not much left to see of the match. I did see her walk to her chair, and she had the posture and walk saying, “I own this place.”
I didn’t get to see Gael. Doesn’t he have a first-round match coming soon?
Out goes FAA to that Wily Coyote of clay courts.
Poor Jack, injured again