Stefanos Tsitsipas is preparing for a potentially challenging match against Matteo Arnaldi in the second round of the French Open. The match is scheduled for May 28. Arnaldi has been in impressive form on clay. Adolfo Daniel Vallejo and Francisco Cerundolo also have matches on the same day.
Arnaldi’s Form Poses a Threat
Matteo Arnaldi has won four of his last five matches. In Paris, Arnaldi outlasted Griekspoor in the opening round in four sets, after playing for four hours. After losing the opening set 6-7, the Italian stepped up his level and turned the match around.
According to the bookies, Arnaldi is the slight underdog in this matchup. Tsitsipas has lost three of his last five matches. In Paris, Muller retired mid-match against Tsitsipas in the opening match. Last season at the French Open, Gigante upset him in the second round.
Vallejo Favoured Against Kouame
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo will play against Moise Kouame. Vallejo has won four of his last five matches. This week in Paris, Norrie retired mid-match against Vallejo in the opening match. He served well, offering and saving only one breakpoint.
Moise Kouame has lost three of his last five matches. He is a 17-year-old who has been granted a wild card for this week’s tournament in Paris. In the opening round, the Frenchman upset Cilic in straight sets. He was great under pressure, saving seven out of seven breakpoints.
Vallejo is the favourite. He is in great form and has more experience than the Frenchman.
- Value bet: Adolfo Daniel Vallejo -6.5 games handicap @1.91 @bet365
Cerundolo Expected to Dominate Gaston
Francisco Cerundolo is set to face Hugo Gaston. Cerundolo has lost three of his last five matches. The Argentine defeated van de Zandschulp in the opening round in four sets after playing for almost four hours. Last season at the French Open, Cerundolo lost to Diallo in the opening match in straight sets.
Hugo Gaston has lost three of his last five matches. He has been granted a wild card for this week’s tournament in Paris. In the opening round, Gaston outlasted Monfils in five tight sets. Last season in Paris, Gaston lost to Blanchet in the opening round in five sets.
Cerundolo is the clear favourite. He is a better clay-court player than Gaston and had decent success on clay this season.
- Value bet: Francisco Cerundolo -7.5 games handicap @1.73 @bet365
The French Open second round promises competitive matches. Arnaldi could challenge Tsitsipas, while Vallejo and Cerundolo are favoured in their respective matches.