French Open R2 previews and predictions: Djokovic vs. Fucsovics, Shevchenko vs. Musetti

Novak Djokovic continues his bid for a third French Open title in the second round against Marton Fucsovics, while Lorenzo Musetti takes on tough Russian Alexander Shevchenko.

(3) Novak Djokovic vs. Marton Fucsovics

Novak Djokovic comes into Roland Garros without a clay court title to his name. He has not even really been close to a title on the dirt, with a Rome quarterfinal as his best result. Despite that, he is still considered one of the favorites to win the event in a fortnight. His second round opponent, Marton Fucsovics, is a familiar opponent.

Djokovic holds a 4-0 head-to-head record over the Hungarian, though Fucsovics has managed to take at least one set in all of their matches except their Wimbledon showdown. The world No. 83 has been a bit off the boil in 2023. Fucsovics was an anemic 10-11 headed into Paris, though he won a pair of matches at the Rome Masters.

While Fucsovics might nab a set, it’s doubtful that the Hungarian will have what it takes to truly trouble the world No. 3.

Cheryl pick – Djokovic in 4

(17) Lorenzo Musetti vs. Alexander Shevchenko

This might wind up as the best match in Wednesday’s lineup. Russia’s Alexander Shevchenko is the world No. 87, but he has enjoyed a fair amount of success on both the Challenger tour and qualifying for main draw events. He earned his way into Madrid through qualies, then won a pair of matches over JJ Wolf and Jiri Lehecka before going down (barely) to Daniil Medvedev.

Lorenzo Musetti broke through at the 2021 French Open. The Italian came out of nowhere to take Novak Djokovic to 5 sets in the round of 16. Since then, the young lost his way a bit, and saw his ranking dip below 70 in the spring of 2022. He’s come on this clay season, however. He had a quarterfinal showing in Monte-Carlo, and he made the semis in Barcelona.

This has the makings of a real battle. Musetti is more experienced in big matches and his form is better, but Shevchenko has plenty of game to make a match of it. The Italian should slide through, but it may be more difficult than the rankings suggest.

Cheryl pick – Musetti in 4