(11) Alex de Minaur vs. Alex Michelsen
Australia’s Alex de Minaur has not historically been at his best on European clay, but the world No. 11 has performed well this season. He made the quarters in Monte-Carlo and the round of 16 in Rome, so he comes into the French Open well-prepared. His first-round match against American Alex Michelsen is favorable.
Michelsen has won three tour-level matches on the dirt this season in six tournament appearances. His best result by far was a quarterfinal showing last week in Geneva, where he managed to beat countryman Taylor Fritz in the second round. The American is ranked a career-high 60th in the world. And while he still getting his legs under him on clay, the 19-year-old has plenty of upside for the future.
De Minaur is by far the more experienced of the two men. He will know how to take advantage of Michelsen’s inexperience and discomfort on the dirt.
Cheryl pick: De Minaur in 3
Alexei Popyrin vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis
Thanasi Kokkinakis hasn’t had much to cheer about on the tennis court this year, although he did win a Challenger event in Sarasota a few weeks ago. Otherwise he is a disappointing 4-9 for his 2024 campaign with a ranking of No. 100 to accompany his difficulties. One bright spot is that countryman Alexei Popyrin is not the worst first-round opponent he could have drawn.
Popyrin has two match wins on European clay, both of which came in Monte-Carlo. The 51st-ranked Aussie trained in Spain and is generally comfortable playing on clay. He is 9-8 on the season, with the lion’s share of his wins coming on hard courts.
Kokkinakis won his only other tour-level match against Popyrin plus another at a Challenger tournament back in 2023. This one may actually be more competitive than it first appears. Kokkinakis has the kind of game that can heat up and make opponents uncomfortable and Popyrin isn’t in the best form right now.
Cheryl pick: Popyrin in 4
Ricky pick: Popyrin in 5
