The third round of the French Open begins on Friday when the bottom half of both singles draws are played out in the Roland Garros complex. Once again we’ve got some really big names on show and with this being the first round where seeds can meet each other we are set for some good quality matches.
Thursday recap
The action was good once again on Thursday and those who were expected to come through in the main did come through and they largely did so in straight sets. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, David Goffin and Dominic Thiem all won in no time while David Ferrer came through in four sets.
In the women’s event both Williams sisters, Timea Bacsinszky, Madison Keys, Carla Suarez-Navarro and Ana Ivanovic all won in straight sets while Dominika Cibulkova came through in three sets to set up some really tasty matches over the weekend.
Sadly it was a second bad day in a row for us on the betting front. Joao Sousa ran into one of Ernests Gulbis’ best performances in a long time while Julia Goerges was edged out in a titanic tussle.
Friday Men’s Matches
Some big matches are on the card on Friday with the pick of them probably the one between Nick Kyrgios and Richard Gasquet. Also on court on Friday are Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori and of course the defending champion Stan Wawrinka all looking to get through.
There are a lot more even matches in this round which is good. Andy Murray faces Ivo Karlovic. Murray has had two five set battles so far in this tournament but I expect him to ease past Karlovic. Sadly he has to cover a 6.5 game handicap and you’ve got to think there is the likelihood of a tie-break or two so I’m reluctant to take that.
Gilles Simon had to go deep into five sets in the previous round and I would be wanting to take him on here but Viktor Troicki’s record against him is pathetic and that isn’t a good thing. The two have played 12 sets in six matches and Simon has won the lot.
I’m going to focus on the pick of the matches where I opposed Nick Kyrgios in the previous round but I’m looking to get with him here. Richard Gasquet actually leads Kyrgios 4-2 on the head to head but it was the Australian who won their previous meeting and the way Kyrgios is serving bodes well here.
I’m not sure Gasquet has the consistency or the engine to go toe to toe with Kyrgios unless the Australian has one of his mental meltdowns but they haven’t been looking too likely in recent times. Kyrgios is a lot more consistent now and even if he needs to rely on tie-breaks here I think he’ll get the job done.
Friday Women’s Matches
Agnieszka Radwanska is the big name in action on Friday but she is joined by Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Lucie Safarova among others on what looks a really good card. Safarova takes on Sam Stosur in the pick of the matches on Friday.
In truth I don’t really like any bets on Friday in the women’s draw. The matches where I would be tempted involve the two ladies I’ve backed outright and nothing on the rest of the card interests me so I’m going to keep my cash in my pocket and just ease my way back into the event after a couple of disastrous days.
Tips
Back N.Kyrgios to beat R.Gasquet for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Boylesports
Back him here:
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