French Open R3 previews and predictions: Khachanov vs. Kokkinakis, Musetti vs. Norrie

Russia’s Karen Khachanov does battle with Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis in the French Open third round on Friday. Meanwhile, resurgent Italian Lorenzo Musetti takes on British left-hander Cam Norrie.

(11) Karen Khachanov vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis

World No. 11 Karen Khachanov has positioned himself as a big tournament player. The best-of-five format seems to suit his game. His results in between the Australian Open and French Open were spotty; he made the quarters in Madrid but lost his first match in Rome. When it comes to the very biggest events, though, Khachanov has shown up. He came somewhat out of nowhere to make the semifinals at the 2022 U.S. Open. The Russian then followed that result up with a semifinal showing at the 2023 Australian Open.

Khachanov had a challenging start to his French Open bid, taken to five sets by Frenchman Constant Lestienne. He handled his next opponent, Radu Albot, in routine straight sets.

His third-round opponent, Thanasi Kokkinakis, had a similar path to begin the week. The Australian is ranked 108th in the world. He had a devastating series of injuries that he kept him sidelined through all of 2020, along with a bout of glandular fever. He has never quite been the same player since. Kokkinakis spends part of his time on the Challenger circuit now and the rest attempting to qualify for main-tour events. He posted a monster five-set win over 2015 Roland Garros champion Stan Wawrinka to earn his spot in the third round.

Khachanov has a better all-court game than Kokkinakis does. The Aussie has a decent clay-court game, but his results haven’t been there for him. Expect to see Khachanov advance in this one.

Cheryl pick: Khachanov in 4

Ricky pick: Khachanov in 3

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(17) Lorenzo Musetti vs. (14) Cam Norrie

This could be a one of the best matches of the day. Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti has been on a tear for the past couple of months. He is enjoying some of the best form of his career. He has breezed into the third round with straight-set wins over Mikael Ymer and up-and-coming Alexander Shevchenko. Musetti had fantastic preparation for Paris, as well, making the quarters in Monte-Carlo and the semis in Barcelona.

Cam Norrie, the world No. 14 from Great Britain, produced a great start to the season. The Brit made the finals in Buenos Aires and won in Rio. He has been a bit off on European clay, but he had a clutch win in five dramatic sets over Benoit Paire in the first round followed by a routine straight-setter against Lucas Pouille in the second.

Based on recent form the nod has to go to Musetti in this one, but don’t expect Norrie to go down without a fight.

Cheryl pick: Musetti in 4

Ricky pick: Musetti in 4

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