By Tony FairbairnNovak Djokovic [3] v Joao Fonseca [28]Iga Swiatek [3] v Magda LinetteCasper Ruud [15] v Tommy Paul [24]PARIS, FRANCE – Novak Djokovic will have a severe test of his title credentials when he takes on Joao Fonseca in a blockbuster third round showdown at Roland Garros.
Novak Djokovic [3] v Joao Fonseca [28] H2H & Match FundamentalsNovak Djokovic [3] v Joao Fonseca [28] H2H: First Meeting Roland Garros 2026 Paris, France Clay (O) Prize Money: €187,000Third on Court Philippe-Chatrier (Not before 14:30 BST) HBO Max <- Subscription Required
It was another four set battle for Novak Djokovic as he moved past Valentin Royer. The Serb will be frustrated how a straight forward contest took three and a half hours in the blazing sun as he will look to conserve energy for the rest of the tournament. There has been some good tennis played by Djokovic but the Serb has lacked that clinical edge in some moments which could cost him his chance a record-shattering 25th Grand Slam title. Now, Djokovic will hope to turn his level up a notch as he targets a place in the second week.
The next task for Djokovic is one of tennis’ brightest young talents in the form of Joao Fonseca. The Brazilian came back from two sets down to defeat another young talent, Dino Prizmic, in five sets to secure his place in the third round. This season Fonseca has tested himself against Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev with Fonseca now having the opportunity to face one of the greatest of all time. As his game continues to evolve and mature, Fonseca will be hoping his fearless approach can score a big upset and spark his career into life at such a young age.
Djokovic will look to serve aggressively and will use the backhand to move Fonseca from side to side and expose weaknesses’ in the Brazilian’s defensive game. Meanwhile, Fonseca will look to create explosive power on the forehand and will aim to step inside the baseline on the second serve return. This should be one of the best matches of the tournament and Fonseca will fancy his chances of knocking out the 24-time Grand Slam champion. However, the Serb may do just enough to edge out the Brazilian and survive another day in what should be another scorching hot day in Paris.
Prediction: Djokovic in five sets.
Iga Swiatek [3] v Magda Linette H2H & Match FundamentalsIga Swiatek [3] v Magda Linette H2H: Tied at 1-1Roland Garros 2026 Paris, France Clay (O) Prize Money: €187,000First on Court Philipe-Chatrier (11:00 BST)HBO Max <- Subscription Required
Another dominant display from Iga Swiatek as she took care of business against Sara Bejlek. However, there are still some underlying problems that Swiatek will need to address if she wants to win a fifth Roland Garros title. Most notably, Swiatek’s unforced error count has been high and her decision-making has been very erratic at times. Nevertheless, Swiatek has been in no danger of losing any of her two matches so far and the Pole will now sense a big opportunity after second seed Elena Rybakina exited the tournament.
Next up for Swiatek is compatriot Magda Linette who did Swiatek a favour by knocking out Jelena Ostapenko. Swiatek had worries of facing Ostapenko given the fact that the Latvian has a 6-0 head-to-head record against the third seed. However, Swiatek should be slightly worried about Linette given the Pole having a decent record at Roland Garros as well as Linette beating Swiatek in Miami a couple of months ago. A competent serve as well as a powerful forehand, Linette will aim to take the match to Swiatek and cause a shock on Court Philippe-Chatrier in order to shock the foundations of the women’s draw once again.
Swiatek will aim to be aggressive on the second serve return and will use the forehand to pin Linette behind the baseline as she looks to minimize her unforced error count. Meanwhile, Linette will need to serve aggressively as she looks to take the forehand early and dictate play as much as possible. This will be a tough test for Swiatek but the third seed should have enough quality to get through in two tight sets.
Prediction: Swiatek in straight sets.
Casper Ruud [15] v Tommy Paul [24] H2H & Match FundamentalsCasper Ruud [15] v Tommy Paul [24]H2H: Ruud leads 4-2 Roland Garros 2026 Paris, France Clay (O) Prize Money: €187,000Fourth on Court Suzanne-Lenglen (15:30 BST) HBO Max <- Subscription Required
There has been a spark of quality and form about Casper Ruud recently. The Norwegian reached the final in Rome and has produced some stunning tennis along the way. However, luck has been needed as well and Ruud looked down and out in his first round against Roman Safiullin. However, the 15th seed recovered from dizziness to recover and now he is into the third round. The former finalist has his eyes set on bigger goals which includes going all the way and winning his first Grand Slam title.
A tough third round test awaits in the form of American Tommy Paul. The 24th seed has had inconsistent form but when he is on form, then he shows his true quality as he has produced a title in Houston as well as reaching the final in Hamburg just before Roland Garros. The American’s incredible footwork as well as roar power on both forehand and backhand can be a deadly combination. That will hope to be the case once again as he targets a place in the last 16 at Roland Garros.
Ruud will aim to be aggressive on serve as he will use the forehand to pin Paul behind the baseline. Meanwhile, the American will use the backhand to create space on the court and force Ruud into tactical errors. In a tightly contested match, Ruud will have enough quality, consistency and clay court intelligence to edge through into the second week.
Prediction: Ruud in four sets.
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