A qualifier is cool, right?

Rinderknech can consider himself lucky with the draw, but this match is far from being won.

Yeah, because Rodionov is coming back strong this season. 23 wins and two Challenger finals, the Austrian has already played very well in the past and just came through qualifying cleanly without losing a set. Most importantly, he just beat Heide and Gojo, two good servers with an aggressive game, which prepares him perfectly before facing Rinderknech. Rodionov is left-handed, it’s hard for me to categorize his game, he’s able to mix it up I’d say. It’s nothing spectacular but we’re talking about a guy coming out of qualies with a nice little lefty touch, it’s annoying to deal with.

Arthur knows it and he’s going to be wary, our Frenchman is seeded and always shows a good face at Roland-Garros. He hasn’t won a ton of matches, but he often gets crap draws. We obviously remember his good match against Sinner, but it’s still easier to play well with no pressure. Here he’s coming into this tournament, and this match in particular, as the big home favorite, he’s going to need to loosen up. He rarely makes deep runs this season but you can say he’s living up to his status, he’s serious and focused. Unfortunately the clay at Roland isn’t going to do him any favors and he’ll have to manage his match properly from start to finish without slipping into a fake rhythm..

Rinderknech is the big favorite obviously, first because he’s playing better than Rodionov but also because we’re at home!