The first day of 2016 French Open action will feature good friends Nick Kyrgios and Jack Sock. Kyrgios is kicking off his campaign against Marco Cecchinato, while Jack Sock faces Robin Haase.
(17) Nick Kyrgios vs. Marco Cecchinato
The French Open is the only one of the four Grand Slams at which Kyrgios has so far failed to deliver any kind of memorable moment–although he did score a decent triple-tiebreaker win over Radek Stepanek in the 2013 first round. Kyrgios has to hope that Sunday marks the beginning of his first big run at Roland Garros. The 21-year-old Australian is 2-3 lifetime at this event and is coming off a third-round performance last spring, when he got a second-round walkover from Kyle Edmund before bowing out to Andy Murray in easy straight sets. Kyrgios boasts a stellar 21-7 overall record this season with his first career title in Marseille, a semifinal showing in Miami, and a recent quarterfinal performance in Madrid.
Up first for the world No. 19 is Cecchinato, whom he has never faced. Cecchinato has plunged to 124th in the rankings, but he was inside the French Open cut line at the entry deadline. The Italian is a meager 3-9 at the ATP level this year and 0-3 in his last three clay-court matches, but he at least managed to take a set off Milos Raonic in the Rome opening round. Cecchinato has never won a main-draw match at a Grand Slam and there is no reason to think he will get on the scoreboard at Kyrgios’ expense.
Pick:Â Kyrgios in 3
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(23) Jack Sock vs. Robin Haase
Sock and Haase will also be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers on Sunday. Sock’s season got off to an outstanding start with four good wins in Auckland, but he ended up retiring against Roberto Bautista Agut in the final and the momentum has never been regained. The 25th-ranked American is a mediocre 13-9 on the year and 3-2 on the European clay-court swing.
Haase’s 2016 campaign has been disappointing on the court and downright bizarre off the court. He has hired former WTA professional Kristie Boogert as his new coach–at least for the French Open–because his former coach is currently a murder suspect. The 86th-ranked Dutchman is 8-10 for the season and he failed to emerge from qualifying in either Madrid or Rome. Haase is 4-7 lifetime at this Grand Slam and has never gotten past the second round, while Sock is 6-3 and five of his victories have come in the last two seasons. The 23rd seed made a run to the last 16 in 2015 before falling to Rafael Nadal in four sets. All signs point to Sock coasting through this one.
Pick:Â Sock in 3
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who ya got?
Sock in three and Kyrgios in three losing eleven games or fewer
Kyrgios in 3 sets losing 11 games or fewer.
Sock in 3 sets over Haase.
Murder suspect????…I thought that might be Gulbis’ Coach???
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ricky, one of my posts is awaiting moderation.
nadline10 (AT 7:20 PM),
FYI. A post containing more than 2 links doesn’t go through.
I see straight sets win for Kyrgios here and no problem for Sock too. Just has to keep it together mentally
Kyrgios accuses the umpire of bias:
http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/15658948/nick-kyrgios-clashes-french-open-umpire-opening-round
I posted a comment after the match but on the wrong thread. Am reposting here:
Good call Benny. Cecchinato put up an amazing fight to the bitter end after taking first two sets to TBs. I have to admit (although reluctantly lol) Curious was playing well but to my surprise didn’t overpower the Italian who should be proud of his performance. The great thing about the Slams is one often gets really good matches in the early rounds which this was in spite of the tiresome behaviour from Curious.
Yeah Cecchinato was looking good in that match. He really tested Nick. Kyrgios seems to thrive under pressure though. He was able to come up with his biggest shots in the biggest moments it seems. Really great quality match. The whole deal about him saying he wants to retire before thirty to pursue other things puzzles me a bit though lol. Hopefully he changes his mind as he gets older and wiser and gets more and more success.
It’s painful to watch Kyrgios’ posture when he plays — he hangs his head and hunches his back in a way that screams back trouble. I really like his tennis but it appears he’s playing with pain. Other than that, thought the match was great and I like the 23 year old Marco Cecchinato. Hope to see more of him.
I got to see the replay of the match. I am not familiar with Cecchinato, so it was nice to get a look at him. He did well to make a match of it. There were some great rallies with both guys blasting shots with do much power.
Sock will never be a serious slam contender until he addresses his fitness issue.
RT RD: “I’m all for making a rule that you can’t scream at ball kids. But until it’s a rule, don’t make your own rules.”
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The rule is:
¤¤ ATP Rulebook, page 170
d) Verbal Abuse
i) Players shall not at any time directly or indirectly verbally abuse an official, opponent, sponsor, spectator or any other person within the precincts of the tournament site. Verbal abuse is defined as any statementabout an official, opponent, sponsor, spectator or any other person that implies dishonesty or is derogatory, insulting or otherwise abusive.
ii) Violation of this section shall subject a player to a fine up to $10,000 for each violation. In addition, if such violation occurs during a match, the player shall be penalized in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule… ¤¤