French Open R3 preview and prediction: Sinner vs. Lehecka

The Grandstand’s team provides a full match preview of Saturday’s third-round French Open showdown between Jannik Sinner and Jiri Lehecka.

(1) Jannik Sinner vs. Jiri Lehecka

Match Overview

• Italy’s Jannik Sinner (world No. 1) vs. Czechia’s Jiri Lehecka (world No. 34)
• Date: 31-05-2025
• Surface: Clay
• Grand Slam: Champion gets 2000 points

Why This Match Matters
All eyes are on Jannik Sinner and a possible French Open final matchup with Carlos Alcaraz. But first Sinner has to get past Jiri Lehecka while he tries to shake off the stigma of a three-month ban after testing positive for a performance enhancing drug. Lehecka had a nice win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in round two, so the underdog is playing well and could make this entertaining.

Key Stats

• Sinner’s only loss of the season so far has come in the Rome final to Carlos Alcaraz
• The Italian retained his No. 1 ranking despite a three-month ban from the tour
• Lehecka’s previous best result in Paris was the the second round
• Sinner is the second favorite to win Roland Garros behind Alcaraz

Odds and Prediction
Jannik Sinner (-1200), Jiri Lehecka (+800)

Cheryl pick: Sinner in 3

Ricky pick: Sinner in 3