Alexei Popyrin vs Thanasi Kokkinakis Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP French Open

Prediction published on 26/05/2024, 02:58  by Nella Wagah in ATP French Open Predictions

Compatriots Alexei Popyrin and Thanasi Kokkinakis will match up in the first round of the French Open. Both players come into this game unseeded. Alexei Popyrin is seeking to advance past the first round here for only the second time. The Australian, who is making his sixth appearance at Roland Garros, has lost his opening match in the last four seasons. Popyrin has compiled a shaky 9-8 record so far in 2024. He is currently on a four-match losing run which has worsened his record on clay to 2-4. The 24-year-old lost in the first round in Rome the last time he was on the court. He starts things off in Paris ranked 51st in the ATP.

Thanasi Kokkinakis is defending 100 points earned in his run to the third round last year. It was the second time that the Australian had advanced that far at Roland Garros. He will hope to surpass this and his dominant record against Popyrin will have him confident of a winning start. Kokkinakis has defeated Popyrin both times they have squared off. This is however the first time they are battling at a major and on clay. The 28-year-old has also struggled with his form and has won just three more matches than the 14 he has lost. On clay however is where the majority of his wins, nine, have been achieved. The Sarasota Challenger winner is coming off a quarter-final run in Bordeaux in the challenger circuit. The winner will play Giulio Zeppieri or Adrian Mannarino in the second round.