Roland Garros 2020: Jordan Thompson vs Radu Albot preview, head-to-head & prediction | French Open

Match details

Fixture: Jordan Thompson vs Radu Albot

Date: 27 September 2020

Tournament: Roland Garros 2020

Round: First round (Round of 128)

Venue: Paris, France

Category: Grand Slam

Surface: Red clay

Prize money: Approx €38,000,000

Match timing: Approx. 4 pm CEST, 7.30 pm IST

Live telecast: USA - NBC / Tennis Channel | India - Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar VIP

Jordan Thompson vs Radu Albot preview

Australia's Jordan Thompson had a solid run at the US Open last month, making his maiden appearance in the Round of 16 of a Grand Slam. He will now go into Roland Garros with confidence, having already made it to the third round in Paris last year.

The World No. 54 did have a bit of a blip in Kitzbühel last week though, where he was knocked out in the second round by Miomir Kecmanovic.

The complete Men's and Women's draws for 2020 can be found at: https://t.co/DRNpI1tCCA#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/1bYjaj9wyS

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 24, 2020

Radu Albot, meanwhile, was knocked out of the qualifiers at both the Rome Masters and the Hamburg Open in the last two weeks. However, he made it to the quarterfinals in the doubles at Hamburg, getting some much-needed preparation on clay ahead of Roland Garros.

The Moldovan won his maiden ATP singles title at the Delray Beach Open last year, becoming the first player from his country to reach that milestone.

Jordan Thompson vs Radu Albot head-to-head

Jordan Thompson and Radu Albot have not faced off on tour so far. They go into this game with their head-to-head tied at 0-0.

Jordan Thompson vs Radu Albot prediction

Radu Albot is a fighter on the tennis court

Jordan Thompson, who plays a very consistent brand of tennis, will be hoping to dictate the pace of the rallies with his strong forehand. The Australian has decent court movement to go with his solid baseline play, and would look to dominate the longer rallies.

Radu Albot himself is known for his excellent footwork and never-say-die attitude though, so he won't be an easy out. The Moldovan has deft hands at the net courtesy his extensive experience as a doubles player, and he could try and take the ball out of the air to upset Thompson's rhythm.

The World No. 79 fights for every point, and makes up for his lack of power with his endurance and patience. This match has the makings of a physically demanding slugfest, but Thompson's superior firepower will likely give him the edge.

Prediction: Jordan Thompson to win in four sets.