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
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(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
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