The French Open continues on day three with 20 men’s singles matches, including Gael Monfils vs Hugo Dellien. Our other prediction pieces feature Novak Djokovic vs Mackenzie McDonald, Alexander Zverev vs Learner Tien, Daniil Medvedev vs Cameron Norrie, and Jack Draper vs Matteo Bellucci. Ateet Shrivastava, Tope Oke, and Shane Black offer their insights. But who will advance to the second round?
French Open Men’s Day 3 Predictions
Andrey Rublev vs Lloyd Harris
Ateet
Andrey Rublev had a good week in Hamburg, reaching the finals. However, he couldn’t play his best tennis in the final and showed a lot of negative emotions. He will look to forget that match and start fresh against Lloyd Harris, who hasn’t won here since 2021 and doesn’t play well on clay. Rublev should win this easily.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Tope
For the first time since January 2020, Andrey Rublev has fallen out of the top 15 after making early exits in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona and suffering a third-round loss to Alexander Bublik in Madrid while trying to defend his title. Although he received a first-round bye in Rome, Fabian Marozsan defeated him in the next round. Harris showed some renaissance in qualifying, and if he can replicate it in this opener, Rublev could be in trouble yet again.
Prediction: Harris in 5
Shane
Rublev struggled mightily on the clay until he reached the final in Hamburg last week. Harris played well in qualies, but this is arguably his worst surface. Rublev should find himself in the French Open second round if he can hold his cool.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Hubert Hurkacz vs Joao Fonseca
Ateet
This is easily one of the best first-round matches at this year’s French Open and should be a thrilling encounter. Hurkacz looked great in Geneva, but seemed quite distraught after his loss to Novak Djokovic in the final from a winning position. Fonseca’s European clay court swing hasn’t gone well, but he will look to play his best tennis at the biggest stage. If Hurkacz serves like he did in Geneva, he can take this.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 5
Tope
This first-round match poses a significant challenge for Hurkacz despite his recent upswing in form. The pointers are after a draining week for the Pole. The Brazilian prodigy will be looking to take advantage and remain in Paris for the second week.
Prediction: Fonseca in 5
Shane
Fonseca has been the breakout star of the 2025 season. Hurkacz is coming off runs to the Rome quarterfinals and Geneva final. This is as much of a blockbuster as possible in the first round and is truly a coin flip.
Prediction: Fonseca in 5
Marin Cilic vs Flavio Cobolli
Ateet
Former French Open semifinalist Marin Cilic gets a second opportunity as a lucky loser to win his first Grand Slam since 2022. The Croatian brings immense experience with him, but his lack of match wins might affect his confidence. Flavio Cobolli is in great form and will be tough to beat even if Cilic plays a good match.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Tope
Flavio Cobolli’s season has taken off over the past six weeks following a sluggish start. He lost eight out of his first nine matches of the season but secured his first ATP crown at the Bucharest Open in April, following it up with the title in Hamburg. While the Italian can be erratic, his two clay titles this season will boost his confidence and set the tone for a solid win against the veteran Croat.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Shane
Cilic is coming to the end of his career but is still seeking one final second-week run at a slam. He was awarded a Lucky Loser slot in the main draw, but gets the tricky Cobolli in round one. The Italian is a good clay-courter and should be able to wear down Cilic.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Gael Monfils vs Hugo Dellien
Ateet
Monfils is making his 18th main draw appearance at the French Open and doesn’t come in with the best of preparation. Injuries have hampered his clay season, and there will be doubts over his fitness in the most gruelling format. However, this is a match he should win without having to push himself to the limit.
Prediction: Monfils in 4
Tope
Gael Monfils has faced difficulties with illness that have hindered his preparation on clay as he looks ahead to another French Open at 38 years old. However, if he is fully recovered, this will be only one-way traffic against Dellien, who has struggled for much of the clay season.
Prediction: Monfils in 4
Shane
Monfils will use the crowd to his advantage in this match, but will want to avoid anything over three hours. If he truly is 100 percent healthy, he should find his way past journeyman Hugo Dellien.
Prediction: Monfils in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
