French Open R2 previews and predictions: Djokovic vs. Fucsovics, Musetti vs. Shevchenko

Novak Djokovic continues his bid for a third French Open title when he goes up against Marton Fucsovics in the second round on Wednesday, while Lorenzo Musetti takes on fast-rising Russian Alexander Shevchenko.

(3) Novak Djokovic vs. Marton Fucsovics

Novak Djokovic comes into Roland Garros without a clay-court title to his name in 2023. He has not even really been close to a title on the dirt, with a Rome quarterfinal as his best result. Despite that, he is still considered one of the favorites to win the event in a fortnight’s time.

Djokovic’s second-round opponent, Marton Fucsovics, is a familiar foe. The Serb holds a 4-0 head-to-head record over the Hungarian, although Fucsovics has managed to take at least one set in all of their matches except their Wimbledon showdown. The world No. 83 has been a bit off the boil in 2023, with an anemic 10-11 record headed into Paris. But he did win a pair of matches at the Rome Masters.

While Fucsovics might nab a set, it’s doubtful that the underdog will have what it takes to truly trouble the world No. 3.

Cheryl pick: Djokovic in 4

Ricky pick: Djokovic in 3

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(17) Lorenzo Musetti vs. Alexander Shevchenko

This might wind up as the best match in Wednesday’s lineup. Russia’s Alexander Shevchenko is the world No. 87, but he has enjoyed a fair amount of success on both the Challenger Tour and qualifying for main-draw events. He earned his way into the Madrid Masters through qualies and then won a pair of matches over J.J. Wolf and Jiri Lehecka before going down (barely) to Daniil Medvedev.

Lorenzo Musetti broke through at the 2021 French Open, coming out of nowhere to take Djokovic to five sets in the round of 16. After that the youngster lost his way a bit and saw his ranking dip below 70th in the spring of 2022. He has come on this clay season, however, with a quarterfinal showing in Monte-Carlo and a semifinal result in Barcelona.

This has the makings of a real battle. Musetti is more experienced in big matches and his form is better, but Shevchenko has plenty of game to make a match of it. Although the Italian should slide through, it may be more difficult than the rankings suggest.

Cheryl pick: Musetti in 4

Ricky pick: Musetti in 4

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