By Erik Gudris | Thursday, May 26, 2016
Roland Garros third round action heats up with several can’t miss matches including one with Kei Nishikori.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Each day we'll preview and predict results for several must-see Roland Garros matches. Day Six previews are here.
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(5) Kei Nishikori vs. Fernando Verdasco
Court 1 (second match)
Head-to-head: Verdasco leads 2-1
An intriguing third round meeting that looks certain on paper, but not so much on court.
Japan’s No. 1 finds himself a darkhorse contender for the title as he navigates his way through the first week. But now he faces a potentially tricky test from the veteran Spaniard who is always capable of a big upset. Just ask Rafael Nadal in Melbourne earlier this year.
Though Verdasco is unnseeded, he still has the shots and experience to make this a tough day for the fifth seed. Nishikori will want to guard against Verdasco jumping out to an early lead. But this one may all depend on Verdasco’s nerve and confidence should he find himself in a winning position. The opportunity is there for the Spaniard, but expect Nishikori to pull through after many enthralling rallies.
The Pick: Nishikori in four sets
(9) Richard Gasquet vs. (17) Nick Kyrgios
Philippe-Chatrier Court (third match)
Head-to-head: Gasquet leads 4-2
Perhaps the match of the day featuring two very different players who find themselves once again facing off at a major.
The volatile Australian Kyrgios is once again enjoying the big stages at a Grand Slam. So far Kyrgios, despite some expected outbursts, is playing big time tennis and has not dropped a set so far. Gasquet is also looking good at his home Slam and will certainly enjoy the local support, especially if a Kyrgios outburst generates boos from the crowd.
“It’s funny how we keep playing each other. And every time we play, the matches are pretty crazy. In Wimbledon, the two matches were crazy, and I hope it will be the same. Hopefully I’ll win,” Gasquet said about facing Kyrgios again. They just met this year in Marseilles in a match that Kyrgios won before going on to win the title. Gasquet will once again have to find ways to absorb the Aussie’s power while finding openings for his trademark backhand to finish off points.
Kyrgios himself will need a solid serving day and not let any potential ebbs and flows in the match get to him. This one may end up being all about Kyrgios. The Parisians may get on his case, but that probably won’t bother Kyrgios too much.
The Pick: Kyrgios in four sets
(6) Simona Halep vs. Naomi Osaka
Suzanne-Lenglen Court (first match)
Head-to-head: First Meeting
A match of two players with very different styles in a first ever meeeting.
The former finalist Halep finds herself once again being eyed as someone who can make a deep run in Paris. But first she has to endured the huge hitting from the rising youngster Osaka. The Romanian can struggle against those who can outhit her.
The 18-year-old Osaka, who reached the Australian Open third round this year, certainly has the shots to make things difficult for Halep. But can Osaka do it all match long? Probably not. But it will certainly make for an intriguing contest.
The Pick: Halep in two sets.
The complete order of play is here.