We’ve had some strange matches and set results in the first round at Roland Garros this year but also some very entertaining clashes. The second round of the 2026 French Open starts today and we might see the big names show some more consistency, even though the warm weather will continue for at least a few more days.
Let’s look at some stats and our predictions for these two matches today in Paris: Alex Michelsen vs. Nishesh Basavareddy and Alexander Zverev vs Tomas Machac.
Alex Michelsen vs. Nishesh Basavareddy
This all-American clash on Court 14 features two familiar rivals who have faced each other a few times on the Challenger and ATP circuits. They are currently 1-1 on the ATP Tour but they have never met on clay before.
Alex Michelsen, continuing his ascent on the tour, looks to translate his hard-court success onto the Parisian clay. Even though his recent clay form has been mixed, he looked very solid in the opener when he defeated Alexander Shevchenko 6-2 6-4 6-2.
He faces Nishesh Basavareddy, who got to this round by defeating World no 9 Taylor Fritz in an impressive manner. Fritz might not be in the best form and he still seem to be struggling slightly with some physical issues but Basavareddy looked composed and full of confidence. Read more on Basavareddy’s racquet.
While Michelsen holds a much higher rank, their history suggests that Basavareddy is well-prepared for Michelsen’s game.
Predictions: A tough match to predict, Michelsen enters as the favorite much due to having more experience on the tour and a decent season so far. I like the form of Basavareddy though and I’m gonna predict we see a 5 set battle. 3-2 set betting for Michelsen gives around +500 or 6.00 odds.
Tomas Machac vs. Alexander Zverev
A good 2nd round clash takes place on Court Philippe-Chatrier as world No. 3 Alexander Zverev faces the dangerous Czech, Tomas Machac.
Zverev, the No. 2 seed, arrived in Paris with heavy expectations but also very good form. After a dominant opening-round performance against Benjamin Bonzi, he aims to maintain his momentum in his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title. The German is continuing to show good consistency and usually likes this tournament, he has not lost prior to the quarterfinals since 2020. Standing in his way is Machac, a player who has shown he can challenge the tour’s elite at times.
These two met previously at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (their only meeting so far) on these exact grounds, a match Zverev won. Zverev’s experience, combined with his recent strong clay-court season, makes him a huge favorite here. However, Machac will be looking to leverage his aggressive baseline style to force Zverev into uncomfortable positions.
Predictions: The serve is the main difference here where Zverev has an edge and he is also likely to control the baseline rallies better. I’m going for a 3-0 win for the German, but won’t be easy set wins.
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