The wait is over and Roland Garros is upon us. Although many fans are disappointed with the recent news of Roger Federer's withdrawal, there is still an abundance of talent gathered in Paris. While during the draw ceremony, everyone was anxious to see if Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, who will be the man to beat, will end up in the same half of draw, there were some interesting first round matches announced as well. Here is a list of top five mouth-watering first round clashes that can be really interesting to watch.
Alexandre Zverev vs Fernando Verdasco
The red-hot German will need to retain the top form that led him to the ATP Masters 1000 Rome title by defeating Djokovic if he is planning to go deep in the 2nd major of the year. There will be no secrets between him and Fernando Verdasco, as they will battle their first round match in a repeat of Madrid's first round, no more than two weeks ago. Zverev will have the upper hand mentally, as he was able to level their head to head, but Verdasco also showed signs of his best form. Try not to miss out on this match.
Philip Kohlschreiber vs Nick Kyrgios
The veteran, Kohlschreiber, has posted his best Grand Slam results at the French capital. Nick, whom some experts think can go all the way, will not have an easy ride to the 2nd round by any means.
If the match was played on hard courts, the big serving Kyrgios would have the edge definitely, but the fact that they have to battle it out in 5-sets on the Parisian clay gives an extra taste to this match up. The duo have never played before, which adds another layer of unpredictability. There is every chance that this one ends up being a long five-setter which you would enjoy watching.
Marin Cilic vs Ernests Gulbis
Ernests is no doubt one of the biggest talents in tennis in the 21st century and at the same time, an under-achiever. He could never live up to expectations and injuries didn't help him. Cili, on the other hand, has never been able to back up his performance at the U.S. Open. When the two meet Cilic will be the betting favorite, but given the attitude of Gulbis, we know that even if he loses, he is going to go down swinging.
There will be a lot of big hitting in store for us.
Fabio Fognini vs Francis Tiafoe
The lazy lookingItaliann, Fabio Fognini, with his short back swings, made some noise a few years ago by defeating Rafael Nadal twice on clay. This year he stunned the World No.1, Andy Murray, in the first Round of the Rome Masters. Francis Tiafoe, on the other hand, has been rising up the rankings rapidly and is one of the American hopes to lift a Grand Slam and end the drought one day. The match will be a battle between two hugely talented individuals from two different generations. Fingers crossed for a five setter?
Dominic Thiem vs Bernard Tomic
Dominic has been able to solidify himself as a member of the elite top 10 players this year and has every chance of finishing the season inside the top five.
He was the only man to beat Rafael Nadal on clay this year, and in great fashion. He is vastly regarded as one of the best active clay courters and one of the few that are able to lift the Philip Chatrier trophy. Passing the first hurdle is never easy and in this case, facing Bernard Tomic, it is even harder. Although Dominic will be the favorite to win this match, Tomic will be a dangerous opponent.
