Novak Djokovic’s quest for a first French Open title is still very much alive after defeating Lu Yen-hsun in the first round on Tuesday. The world no. 1 will look to seal a place in the round of 32 when he takes on Steve Darcis at Court Philippe-Chatrier later today.
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this second-round clash and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the round-of-64 match between Serena Williams and Teliana Pereira.
Tennis News and Previews
Novak Djokovic vs. Steve Darcis Preview
Where: Roland Garros, Paris
When: Thursday, May 26
Line: Novak Djokovic (-20,000) vs. Steve Darcis (+4,000) – view all French Open Men’s Singles lines
Betting on Novak Djokovic (-20,000)
Djokovic, who improved to 2-0 against Lu, blasted 35 winners and won 76 percent of his first serve points. What proved to be the difference in the match, however, was his fabulous return. Djokovic converted seven of his 14 break point opportunities in the win against Lu.
Djokovic will look to continue his hot streak when he takes on Steve Darcis in the second round. The top seed will fancy his chances of doing just that as he has fared extremely well against the Belgian in the past. Djokovic has beaten Darcis in each of their last two meetings with the world no. 1 winning both of those matches in straight sets.
Djokovic is 9-1 in his last 10 matches.
Betting on Steve Darcis (+4,000)
Steve Darcis booked a place in the second round of the 2016 French Open with a convincing 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 win over Marsel Ilhan on Tuesday. It was a brilliant showing from Darcis who needed just one hour and 39 minutes to outlast the Turkish star.
With the victory, Darcis is through to the second round of the French Open for the second time in his career. He will face his toughest test, though, in the round of 64, as he will square off with the great Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star has won four of the last five Grand Slam tournaments.
For Darcis to record a major shock in the next round, the Belgian needs to dominate with his service game. Darcis’ serve was solid against Ilhan as he converted 62 percent of his first serves. Darcis took full advantage of that fact, winning 41 of his 53 first serve points for a solid 77 percent clip. Darcis also needs to continue his excellent net play if he is to upset the mighty Djokovic. He won 11 of his 15 net points in the first-round victory against Ilhan.
Darcis is 7-3 in his last 10 matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Djokovic (-20,000) beats Darcis in straight sets.
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