French Open 2019: Kyle Edmund against Jeremy Chardy the pick of popcorn matches on day two

James Spencer selects his must-see matches on day two of the 2019 French Open with Britain’s Kyle Edmund against France’s Jeremy Chardy the highlight.
Kyle Edmund (28) vs Jeremy Chardy
As far as first-round encounters go, this is a tough test for British No 1 Edmund. Chardy is one of the highest-ranked players outside of the seeded players. The Frenchman has a big serve and a good all-round game. He will also have the Parisian crowd fully behind him.
Edmund may not have had a good clay-court season thus far but such a significant test this early in a Grand Slam might be perfect to get the best out of the young Brit.
I’m expecting a close match, which could go either way.
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Joao Sousa
Two of the better players to not be seeded, both have failed to deliver the best of their clay-court ability this year, which has resulted in this intriguing first-round match up.
Carreno Busta was seen as a possible heir to Rafael Nadal’s throne only two seasons ago as the 27-year-old cracked the Top 10 at the end of 2017. He has since plummeted to 57 in the world following injury. He will certainly be eager to step up his game at Roland Garros.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s Sousa has also been similarly off-colour meaning one of these players has a genuine opportunity to win and play their way into form.
Danielle Collins vs Tatjiana Maria
I chose this encounter on the women’s side as both seem pretty evenly matched. Collins played tremendously well back in January when she progressed to her first Grand Slam semi-final in Australia.
She will be hoping those memories galvanise her for a similar run here in Paris.
Maria is a tricky player and the German will certainly make it hard for Collins particularly from the baseline. This could go to three-sets.
Filip Krajinovic vs Frances Tiafoe (32)
Serbian Krajinovic famously made the final of the 2017 Paris Masters but his inconsistency has prevented him from backing up such performances. However, he may just raise his game against Next Gen star Frances Tiafoe.
The American has had an underwhelming clay-court season after being so convincing on his way to the quarter-finals in both the Australian Open and Miami Masters.
This match is finely poised and if both bring their A-game to the party, this could be a five-set classic.
Follow James Spencer on Twitter @JamesTennis17
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
-
French Open 2019: Tennis365 writers cast their predictions for Roland Garros
-
French Open betting preview: Bookies can’t see past the King of Clay Rafael Nadal in Paris
-
Judy Murray EXCLUSIVE: Women’s tennis needs to replace outgoing superstars
-
Lleyton Hewitt impressed by ‘unbelievable atmosphere’ of new look Wimbledon No.1 Court
-
Latest
-
Tennis News
Elina Svitolina urges IOC to ‘stick to banning Russian and Belarusian athletes’ for Paris 2024 Olympics
Elina Svitolina wants a united front when it comes to sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus
-
Tennis News
Marion Bartoli latest to criticise Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov – ‘I just can’t take that any more’
Marion Bartoli basing her opinion on Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov on incidents she witnessed herself.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open viewing figures need context amid Novak Djokovic snipes
TV viewing figures for Australian Open may appear to be disappointing, yet raw figures only reveal part of the story.
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios on crutches as his manager gives fitness update
Everyone is “really, really pleased” with Nick Kyrgios’ recovery.
-
WTA Tour
Iga Swiatek’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is she competing next and her season so far…
A look at Iga Swiatek’s possible tournaments for the 2023 season.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…
Carlos Alcaraz’s confirmed and unconfirmed events for the 2023 tennis season.
-
Australian Open
‘Remarkable’ Novak Djokovic won Australian Open with ‘three-centimetre tear in his hammy’
Australian Open boss gives more detail about Novak Djokovic’s injury.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic’s ‘game undoubtedly the most complete on the Tour’, says Toni Nadal
“What the Serbian player has achieved is as amazing as it is admirable.”
-
ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev breaks silence after ATP’s ruling on domestic abuse case – ‘Justice has prevailed’
“I am grateful that this is finally resolved,” says Alexander Zverev.
-
News
Heather Watson reaping the benefits of hard work at last
The 30-year-old says the paradise location of Hua Hin is helping her find her best tennis.