Day 6 at Roland Garros continues with an intriguing collection of men’s third-round clashes, featuring veterans chasing another deep run, rising stars looking to announce themselves, and dangerous outsiders hoping to upset the script. Our writers break down the action and share their predictions.
Novak Djokovic vs Joao Fonseca
Ateet:
Novak Djokovic may have preferred a smoother finish to his second-round contest against Valentin Royer, but overall he looked sharper than in his opener and gained valuable match practice. Joao Fonseca showed tremendous resilience by overturning a two-set deficit against Dino Prizmic, yet Djokovic’s pedigree at Grand Slams still makes him the favorite.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Tope:
Joao Fonseca enters with confidence after roaring back from two sets down, but Novak Djokovic presents an entirely different challenge. The Serbian has shown moments of vulnerability in Paris, and if Fonseca’s power clicks while his body holds up, a major upset could be possible.
Prediction: Fonseca in 5
Amanda:
Joao Fonseca’s comeback victory should give him confidence, but Novak Djokovic traditionally elevates his level at Grand Slams. Although Djokovic has experienced a few shaky moments in his opening rounds, nothing has suggested he is close to an early exit.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Rafael Jodar vs Alex Michelsen
Ateet:
Rafael Jodar struggled to capitalize on opportunities in his previous round, converting only a fraction of his break points, but still managed to progress through difficult conditions. Alex Michelsen could trouble him if the match stretches physically, though Jodar’s firepower may allow him to avoid that scenario.
Prediction: Jodar in 4
Tope:
Alex Michelsen has reached the third round of a Slam for only the second time, but Rafael Jodar’s variety, shot-making, and resilience under pressure suggest he is capable of sustaining this breakout run.
Prediction: Jodar in 5
Amanda:
Both players showed vulnerability in round two, but Rafael Jodar appears better equipped to capitalize. Alex Michelsen has long looked uncomfortable on clay, and Jodar’s ability to expose movement and extend points could neutralize Michelsen’s experience advantage.
Prediction: Jodar in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Jesper De Jong
Ateet:
Karen Khachanov has taken advantage of an inviting section of the draw, playing strong tennis while keeping time on court manageable. Jesper De Jong has made the most of his lucky loser opportunity, but winning over five sets against Khachanov presents a far greater challenge.
Prediction: Khachanov in 4
Tope:
Karen Khachanov battled through a difficult second-round encounter and continues to find better rhythm after a stronger month overall. Jesper De Jong has impressed, yet the Russian’s pedigree in Paris should still guide him into the next round.
Prediction: Khachanov in 5
Amanda:
Jesper De Jong has capitalized on his lucky loser status and arrives playing quality tennis, but Karen Khachanov still looks the superior player despite a shaky second-round performance. De Jong may stretch things, though Khachanov should ultimately survive.
Prediction: Khachanov in 5
Andrey Rublev vs Nuno Borges
Ateet:
Andrey Rublev survived another difficult matchup to reach the third round and now faces a dangerous Nuno Borges. Rublev has flirted with danger already in Paris, and Borges possesses the quality to push him deep if the Russian does not raise his level.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Tope:
Nuno Borges gained confidence from another comeback victory and now faces a familiar opponent in Andrey Rublev, who has repeatedly blocked his progress. If Borges can extend rallies and make the match physical, he has a genuine chance to flip momentum.
Prediction: Borges in 5
Amanda:
Andrey Rublev has already handled multiple dangerous unseeded opponents in Paris and now faces another in Nuno Borges, who enters in strong form. Rublev’s performances have been convincing enough to suggest he should again avoid the upset.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Main Photo Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images