Auger-Aliassime vs – Day 3 of the French Open brings a full slate of men’s first-round matches at Roland Garros, with predictions leaning toward Valentin Vacherot, Alexei Popyrin, and Vit Kopriva—or Corentin Moutet—before attention centers on Felix Auger-Aliassime taking on Daniel
The grounds of Roland Garros are already buzzing for Day 3, and the schedule doesn’t slow down. Twenty more men’s matches are set to take place, with the standout spotlight fixed on No. 4 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime against Daniel Altmaier.
Auger-Aliassime enters the tournament with a question hanging over his last stretch of clay. After an encouraging quarter-final run in Monte Carlo. his French Open clay campaign has stalled. marked by first-round defeats in Rome and performances that have looked inconsistent. He still has the kind of firepower that can change a match on any surface—but the worry is composure in the key moments. Altmaier, meanwhile, brings the sort of clay-court threat that’s difficult to shake. The German has revived a sluggish season with strong runs. and their clay-court meetings have been split evenly. giving real room for an upset in Paris.
Prediction: Altmaier in 5
Another take leans more toward the Canadian finding his rhythm. Felix Auger-Aliassime has worked hard on his clay game this season. with improved movement and strong results in the lead-up tournaments. Daniel Altmaier is described as a proven grinder on clay—capable of pushing opponents into long rallies through consistency. In this view. Auger-Aliassime’s more recent form and ability to finish points with power should help him navigate the toughest stretches.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4
A third prediction frames the matchup as winnable for Auger-Aliassime on the basis of uneven momentum. Auger-Aliassime has struggled throughout this clay season and hasn’t yet left his mark. But his first-round opponent, Altmaier, has had an equally rough time on clay, even at lower levels. That combination is why this forecast suggests Auger-Aliassime can get through fairly comfortably.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4
Before that featured matchup, several Day 3 first-round stories are driving separate waves of confidence across the draw.
Valentin Vacherot vs Thomas Faurel is one of the earlier clashes carrying a clear expectation. Thomas Faurel battled through qualifying without dropping a set. and he’ll be leaning on home support and the confidence that comes from a spotless run through qualifying. Standing opposite him is Valentin Vacherot. whose season has already produced one of the standout clay-court runs outside the elite tier. The prediction across the board is that Faurel earned his chance—but Vacherot will be the one moving on.
Prediction: Vacherot in 4
In a second look at the same match. Vacherot is backed for solid baseline play and good clay stamina in recent outings. Faurel’s plan depends on home advantage and variety to disrupt the longer exchanges. Still, the steadier performances and physical style are seen as the edge that carries Vacherot forward.
Prediction: Vacherot in 4
Cizu’s take adds a seasonal rhythm argument: following an impressive run in Monte Carlo. Vacherot hasn’t featured much on clay. which could be a wrinkle—but it’s also why this matchup is framed as a good start for the Monégasque in the French capital. Faurel is viewed as the more natural early-stage opponent, and the forecast leans toward Vacherot seizing control.
Prediction: Vacherot in 3
Alexei Popyrin vs Zachary Svajda is also tipped with momentum on one side. Popyrin arrives in Paris after momentum finally began building following a difficult start to the year. The Australian has looked increasingly comfortable on clay. pushing deep into tournaments and showing the aggressive all-court game that once made him one of the tour’s most dangerous floaters. Svajda. in contrast. has struggled to find his footing on the surface. winning just one of six clay-court matches this season. The matchup is described as heavily tilted toward Popyrin.
Prediction: Popyrin in 3
Another preview spotlights the mechanics of that edge: Popyrin can lean on his big serve and aggressive forehand to take control on clay. Svajda fights hard from the baseline, but the forecast suggests he can be vulnerable to heavier hitting. With Popyrin’s ability to dictate play and current level, this prediction expects him to reach the second round.
Prediction: Popyrin in 4
Cizu’s view is slightly more cautious—about Popyrin’s recent feel for the court—while still arriving at the same destination. Popyrin had looked a bit lost lately, but the last two tournaments offer encouragement. Against Svajda. who is described as being in troubling form and out of his depth in this pairing. the Australian is expected to make good here.
Prediction: Popyrin in 4
Corentin Moutet vs Vit Kopriva brings a more split mood depending on what you expect to dominate on the surface. Vit Kopriva is arriving at Roland Garros with plenty of confidence after a productive clay-court swing that showcased the best tennis of his career. Despite a couple of tough losses. he’s been comfortable on dirt and is seen as positioned to make an impact in Paris. Moutet, playing his home Grand Slam, is searching for answers with a disappointing 3-6 record on clay this season. The matchup is framed as a golden opportunity for Kopriva to deliver a statement win.
Prediction: Kopriva in 5
Another preview leans the other way because of style. Moutet is described as thriving on clay with clever drop shots and changes of pace that disrupt rhythm. especially with the home crowd behind him. Vit Kopriva is characterized as a steady baseliner, but one who often struggles against that kind of variety. In this view, Moutet’s creativity and comfort on the surface make him tough to handle at the French Open.
Prediction: Moutet in 5
Cizu’s prediction also expects a dramatic match shaped by contrast—Kopriva’s clay capability against Moutet’s mercurial unpredictability. The expectation is that this will be a fun affair with lots of creative stuff on show. and with a boisterous French crowd feeding off Moutet’s game. the forecast still lands on Moutet prevailing.
Prediction: Moutet in 5
With Day 3 rolling on and 20 more men’s matches set to be played. the tournament’s story is already forming: confidence coming from recent form. momentum judged against pressure. and style clashing with surface reality. And at the center of it all, Auger-Aliassime’s No. 4 seed status is no shield—Altmaier’s ability to hang in the long rallies. and the uneven clay performances on both sides. make this one of the days’ most scrutinized paths.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
French Open Day 3 Roland Garros Felix Auger-Aliassime Daniel Altmaier Valentin Vacherot Thomas Faurel Alexei Popyrin Zachary Svajda Corentin Moutet Vit Kopriva tennis predictions