The 2025 French Open begins Sunday, featuring 20 men’s singles matches. Key predictions include Tommy Paul facing Elmer Moller, with experts favoring Paul for his experience and all-court game. Other notable matches include Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs. Zizou Bergs, with mixed predictions; some support Perricard’s home advantage and serve, while others lean towards Bergs. Pablo Carreno Busta is seen as likely to edge out Francisco Comesana due to his clay experience, despite varying opinions on possible outcomes. Matteo Gigante is favored against Benjamin Hassan, though Hassan’s historic qualification adds intrigue.
The second Grand Slam of the year is approaching as the 2025 French Open kicks off this Sunday with 20 men’s main draw singles matches. Our predictions highlight the matchup between No. 12 seed Tommy Paul and Elmer Moller. Other articles in this series cover Lorenzo Musetti vs Yannick Hanfmann, Ben Shelton vs Lorenzo Sonego, Tomas Machac vs Quentin Halys, and Frances Tiafoe vs Roman Safiullin. The predictions come from Ilemona Onekutu, Damian Kust, and Tope Oke. Who will progress to the second round?
French Open Day 1 Predictions
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs Zizou Bergs
Ilemona
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has a slight advantage over Zizou Bergs in their first-round clash. Anticipate a close match that could very well go the distance.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 5
Damian
Mpetshi Perricard can be unpredictable on clay, yet his serve is undeniably powerful. How well Bergs manages to contain him with baseline play will be crucial, especially if he capitalizes on his opportunities at the net.
Prediction: Bergs in 5
Tope
The young Frenchman has yet to progress past the first round in his two previous majors, but this is a prime opportunity for him to change that. Competing in front of home fans against a struggling Bergs, he must leverage his dependable serve to secure victory.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 4
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Francisco Comesana
Ilemona
With his extensive clay experience, Pablo Carreno Busta has the upper hand against Francisco Comesana in their initial battle. Expect a close match, but Carreno Busta is likely to succeed.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 4
Damian
Comesana has shown impressive form at Wimbledon and the US Open last year. Can he replicate that success on his preferred surface? While Carreno Busta is a seasoned quarterfinalist at this event, his physicality on clay raises concerns this year, which could favor the talented Comesana.
Prediction: Comesana in 5
Tope
Two players on contrasting paths meet for the first time at this prestigious event. Pablo Carreno-Busta, once formidable on clay, struggles to maintain form despite a strong start this year. In contrast, Comesana is enjoying a breakout season with impressive performances in clay tournaments. While Carreno-Busta brings experience, the longer this match lasts, the more it could tilt in favor of the Argentine.
Prediction: Comesana in 4
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Matteo Gigante vs Benjamin Hassan
Ilemona
With a higher rank and recent performance boost, Matteo Gigante is slightly favored against Benjamin Hassan. Although Hassan’s experience makes for a competitive match, Gigante is likely to advance.
Prediction: Gigante in 4
Damian
Hassan made headlines for Lebanon during the Paris Olympics; he seeks to achieve similar success again. While both players are qualifiers, Gigante is the slight favorite. The Italian possesses all the necessary tools; perhaps this is the moment he finally shines.
Prediction: Gigante in 4
Tope
Benjamin makes history as the first Lebanese player in the Open Era to enter the main draw of the French Open after a flawless qualifying campaign. Matteo Gigante returns to the main draw on his third attempt after two unsuccessful qualifying rounds in 2023 and 2024. Expect an exciting match, with Hassan potentially prevailing in a nail-biter.
Prediction: Hassan in 5
Tommy Paul vs Elmer Moller
Ilemona
Tommy Paul is a clear favorite with his experience and versatile gameplay against qualifier Elmer Møller. While the Dane has talent, Paul is expected to win in straight sets.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Damian
Moller is famed for his backhand and is now gaining valuable experience on the main tour. However, maintaining consistency against a player of Paul’s caliber seems daunting. The American’s athleticism will assist in countering Moller’s powerful shots.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Tope
This matchup presents a challenge for Tommy Paul, who has yet to break past the first week in Paris. His young opponent Moller, fresh from impressive qualifying performances, will be eager to make a mark. Nonetheless, Paul is expected to navigate through this hurdle successfully.
Prediction: Paul in 4
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports