Tennis at Paris Olympics 2024 Day 3: Men's singles predictions ft. Ugo Humbert vs Francisco Cerundolo

The biggest match at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Monday will be the second-round showdown between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The hotly anticipated match-up was on everyone's radar once the draw was made, and has now come to fruition.

While the sport's biggest titans will grab plenty of eyeballs, other players will also take to the court for their second-round matches. Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas will be among the other notable names in action.

With a spot in the third round up for grabs, here are the predictions for a few key men's singles matches lined up on Day 3 of the Paris Olympics:

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#1 - Ugo Humbert vs Francisco Cerundolo

Cerundolo captured his third career title and first of the season at the Croatia Open on Saturday. He had little time to enjoy his triumph as he was back on the court at the Paris Olympics to contest his first-round match on Sunday against Tomas Barrios and won 6-2, 6-1.

Humbert had it pretty easy against Fabian Marozsan in his opener as well, and beat him 6-3, 6-2. It marked his fifth win on clay this season, and his second at Roland Garros, the venue for the Paris Olympics.

The Frenchman has never advanced beyond the second round of the French Open in his career. Cerundolo is a pretty solid player on clay and improved his record on the red dirt to 20-12 after his first-round victory. Having won a title in the lead-up to the Olympics, the Argentine has momentum on his side and will be expected to make it through this clash.

Predicted winner: Francisco Cerundolo

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#2 - Matteo Arnaldi vs Dominik Koepfer

Dominik Koepfer (L) at the Paris Olympics 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Arnaldi ousted his fellow next-gen rival Arthur Fils in the first round as he secured a 6-4, 7-6 (7) win over him. Koepfer, meanwhile, rallied from a set down to defeat Milos Raonic 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5), 7-6 (1).

Arnaldi previously reached the fourth round of the French Open a few weeks ago. Koepfer made the third round of the claycourt Major back in 2021, though he fell at the first hurdle this time.

Arnaldi has outperformed Koepfer on clay this season and has nine wins on the surface compared to his opponent's five. The Italian's track record gives him the upper hand in this match-up.

Predicted winner: Matteo Arnaldi

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#3 - Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Roman Safiullin

Etcheverry beat Brazil's Thiago Seyboth Wild 7-6 (7), 6-2 to get his Paris Olympics campaign underway. Safiullin upset 15th seed Alejandro Tabilo 6-4, 6-4 to make the second round. It marked the first win at the Olympics for both players.

It was also Safiullin's second win on clay this year and the eighth of the season. 17 of Etcheverry's 20 wins this year have come on clay. He's a former quarterfinalist at the French Open and reached the third round this year.

Safiullin won their previous encounter at the Tel Aviv Open a couple of years ago in straight sets. However, Etcheverry has enjoyed far more success on clay compared to hardcourts. The Russian could find it difficult to one-up his opponent once again, especially given his shaky form this year.

Predicted winner: Tomas Martin Etcheverry

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#4 - Sebastian Baez vs Benjamin Hassan

Benjamin Hassan at the Paris Olympics 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Hassan became the first tennis player from Lebanon to contest the Olympics and made a winning debut as well. He beat former top 30 player Christopher Eubanks 6-4, 6-2 in the first round.

Baez was victorious on his Olympic debut as well and beat Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 6-3 in his opener. Five of his six career titles have come on clay, including two this year. Despite his success on the surface, he has underperformed at the French Open and has a 2-3 record at the venue.

Baez is yet to make it past the second round at Roland Garros and this is a great opportunity for him to do so. Hassan hasn't gone toe-to-toe with the top players on the ATP Tour that often as he mainly competes on the Challenger and ITF circuits.

The Lebanese is currently punching way above his weight and will need to raise his level considerably if he wants to get the better of Baez. The latter's results naturally make him the favorite to continue his journey at the Paris Olympics.

Predicted winner: Sebastian Baez