The ATP French Open third-round match on May 29 features two fascinating battles between rising talent and experienced veterans. Joao Fonseca faces Novak Djokovic in one of the most anticipated matches of the round, with the young Brazilian looking to test the three-time champion in difficult conditions. Meanwhile, Pablo Carreno-Busta’s clay-court experience could prove decisive against Thiago Tirante in what shapes up as a tight baseline battle.
ATP French Open 1/16-Finals
Fonseca – Djokovic: 29.05.2026 15:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Joao Fonseca has won three of his last five matches. This week at the French Open, Fonseca defeated Pavlovic in the opening match in straight sets. He saved one set point in the opening set. His toughest challenge happened in the second round against Prizmic. After trailing 0-2, Fonseca stepped up his level and turned the match around, winning in five sets. Last season in Paris, the Brazilian lost to Draper in the third round in straight sets.
Novak Djokovic has won three of his last five matches. This week at the French Open, Djokovic defeated Mpetshi Perricard in four sets, after losing the opening set 5-7. In the second round, the Serb defeated Royer in four sets after playing for almost four hours. He was the champion here three times.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Fonseca is the underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Djokovic is 39 years old and struggles playing best-of-five matches. The weather in Paris is very hot and humid. We expect Fonseca to keep this match close.
That being said, Fonseca covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Joao Fonseca +4.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Tirante – Carreno-Busta: 29.05.2026 11:00 CEST
H2H: 0-1
Thiago Agustin Tirante has won three of his last five matches. This week in Paris, the Argentine defeated Llamas Ruiz in the opening match in four sets after playing for almost four hours. He served great, hitting 20 aces whilst losing his serve only once. In the second round, Tirante turned the match around against Davidovich Fokina after losing the opening set 4-6.
Pablo Carreno-Busta has won four of his last five matches. This week at the French Open, Carreno-Busta upset Lehecka in the opening match in straight sets. He served well, not offering any breakpoints. In the second round, Kokkinakis retired at the beginning of the third set against Carreno-Busta. Last season in Paris, the Spaniard lost to Tiafoe in the second round in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Tirante is the favourite in this matchup, but we disagree. Carreno-Busta is a clay-court specialist and more experienced than Tirante, especially at the Grand Slam level. We expect Carreno-Busta to serve well and keep this match tight.
That being said, Carreno-Busta covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Pablo Carreno-Busta +4.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images