The 2022 French Open enters the third round and the team at SportsTips.com are previewing the best six games. Read below to check out our picks for the three best men’s and three best women’s games for Round 3 of the 2022 French Open!
Well, wasn’t that an interesting Round 2 at the French Open, the good news is that we still have a lot of Americans left on both sides of the draw! What will the third round bring? More upsets are definitely on the cards! Who will make it through to the next round and all the way to the championship game? It is sure to be a thrilling 2 weeks to find out!
Enjoy our free tennis picks and predictions for each round of the 2022 French Open tournament.
Round 3 Tennis Picks For The French Open: Men’s Draw
Alexander Zverev (3) vs Brandon Nakashima
German Alexander Zverev has made it through to the third round where he will take on unseeded American, Brandon Nakashima. After a breezy first round, the third seed had a very eventful second round, as he had to come back from two sets down to get the win. It was pretty much the opposite for Nakashima, who experienced a battle in the first round, with the match going to five sets, then in the second round, he got through in straight sets.
Jeffery Thomas
Alexander Zverev survived a serious scare in the second round of the French Open, coming back from two sets down to beat Sebastian Baez in a thrilling five-setter. That win will definitely serve as a confidence boost to the world number 3 but he may be a little drained as well after such a physical and emotional rollercoaster. Zverev will still like his chances in this matchup though against Brandon Nakashima, as he’s looking to make it to the fourth round of the French Open for the fifth consecutive time. Nakashima had a much easier time in the second round, taking care of Tallon Greikspoor in straight sets.
This is the first time he has won back-to-back matches since Sydney back in January so the American is seemingly finding a groove at the right time. These two met once before, also at a Grand Slam, when Zverev took down Nakashima in four sets at the 2020 US Open. Zverev was on his way to the final in that tournament, so for Brandon to take a set off him was very impressive. I think he can do the same in this one, as Zverev is known to play up and down at times but in no way do I see the upset happening. Just give me both to win a set here in what will still be a relatively easy win for the German.
Jeffery’s French Open Pick: Match & Both Players to Win a Set – Zverev & Yes (+146)
Marko Nadin
Alexander Zverev survived a match point against Sebastian Baez in the second round of the French Open and now will have a chance to advance to the fourth round, playing against Brandon Nakashima who is not keen on this clay surface. In the opening round of the tournament, Zverev defeated Sebastian Ofner in straight sets. Zverev is third in the ATP rankings and has a 26-9 record including 12-4 on clay. Last year, the German made it to the semifinal at the French Open where he lost 2-3 to Stefanos Tsitsipas. Zverev has won the only previous match against Nakashima, 3-1 at the 2020 US Open.
Brandon Nakashima is currently at no. 75 at the ATP rankings with his best result being no. 62. The American is 11-12 for the season including 5-4 on clay. The American has not made it to the main draw in his first two tries in the French Open but this year, when he didn’t have to go through the qualifiers, has made it to the third round. Nakashima is coming off wins against Kamil Majchrzak in five sets in the opening round and a straight set win over Tallon Griekspoor in the second round.
Marko’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Zverev 3-0 (-140)
Jack Hartman
Alexander Zverev somehow ground it out against the in-form Argentine Sebastian Baez in Round 2. Having lost the first two sets, Zverev found a way back into the match and edged a tight fifth set, saving a match point along the way. In some ways, the match against Baez was the perfect example as to why Zverev has yet to win a Grand Slam. Despite showing a first class attitude, it was a long and grueling match and it could well catch up with him if he advances through the rounds. Standing in his way in Round 3 is the talented young American Brandon Nakashima. This is Nakashima’s best ever Grand Slam showing and he is a far better player than his current ranking of 75 suggests.
Nakashima has had an eventful French Open so far. He battled back from 1-2 down in his first round, eventually beating Kamil Majchrzak in five sets. Showing no ill effects of his first round endeavors, he then produced an accomplished display to beat Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets. Only once have these two faced off, and interestingly it came in the 2020 US Open. Despite being only 18, Nakashima pushed Zverev hard, losing in four tight sets. On clay, Zverev is the better player and despite having just played a five set match, he has to be considered the favorite to advance to the last 16.
Jack’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Zverev 3-0 (-140)
Sebastian Korda (27) vs Carlos Alcaraz Garfia (6)
One of our seeded Americans, Sebastian Korda, will face a major test in Round 3 at the French Open, as he will go toe-to-toe with young hotshot, Carlos Alcaraz Garfia. Korda is playing very well so far in this Grand Slam, and is yet to drop a set, but this will definitely be his most difficult test to date. Alcaraz Garfia breezed through the first round, winning in straight sets and only dropping six games. It was a different story in the second round though, as he went up against fellow Spainard, Ramos-Viñolas, and that match went the distance.
Jeffery Thomas
Oh Carlos, how amazing is this young Spainiard? Even though his second round was a close match where he was literally points away from being knocked out, I still walked away very impressed. It’s his first Grand Slam since being in the top 10 and we have to give his opponent Albert Ranos-Vinolas credit for a great game plan and execution. But in the end Carlos was too special and just too clutch, and he survives to fight another day. Next up he will get his rematch against American Sebastian Korda who took him out in Monte Carlo back in April.
Korda has breezed through to the third round here at Roland Garros, taking out John Millman and Richard Gasquet without even dropping a set. Alcaraz has a 12 match winning streak going since his loss to Korda and that includes wins over five guys in the top 11. I’m pretty sure he wants his revenge and I’m banking on that happening as the conditions should be much more favorable this time around. Windy conditions caused Carlos to spray a ton of errors and he just couldn’t get in rhythm. He’s a young phenom that everybody loves so he will have the crowd behind him and I like Alcaraz to roll Korda here in advancing to the fourth round.
Jeffery’s French Open Pick: Game Spread – Alcaraz -6.5 (-125)
Marko Nadin
Carlos Alcaraz has made a huge leap to the very top of the tennis this year winning the tournaments in Madrid, Barcelona, Miami and Rio de Janeiro. The 19-year-old is currently sixth in the ATP rankings and it is just a matter of time when he will get into the top 3. Alcaraz is 30-3 for the season and 17-1 on clay. Alcaraz survived a scare in the second round of the French Open against veteran Albert Ramos Vinollas coming back from 1-2 down; and 0-3 down in the final set. In the opening round, Alcaraz had no problems against Juan Londero, winning in straight sets. His next opponent in the third round will be Sebastian Korda. These two players have met twice before with Alcaraz winning 3-0 at the 2021 Next Gen Tournament and Korda winning in their most recent match, 2-1 in this year’s Monte Carlo tournament.
Korda is currently ranked at no. 30 in the ATP rankings which is his best result so far in his career. Korda is 16-10 for the season with 8-5 on clay. This is his third appearance at the French Open and the first time he has managed to get past the opening round. Korda defeated John Millman and Richard Gasquet in straight sets in the first two rounds in Paris. He has a good serve and will be able to stay in the match against Alcaraz but not winning more than a set.
Marko’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Alcaraz 3-1 (+250)
Jack Hartman
Wow, what a matchup we have here! Two of the most talented youngsters on the ATP Tour meet for this blockbuster of a third round match, as Sebastian Korda takes on Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, who is just 19 has had a stunning year. Long-tipped to be the future of the game, Alcaraz has made his breakthrough this season – winning both the Miami and Madrid Masters. His performances have seen him advance all the way to six in the world and one of the real contenders for this year’s title. He has the game and mentality to win this tournament but whether he has the physical strength to last through seven tough rounds remains to be seen. Alcaraz was pushed to the limit in his last match, needing to save a match point against compatriot Albert Ramos Vinolas before prevailing in 5 tight sets.
Ahead of this match against Korda, it will be interesting to see what toll that could have taken on him. Seb Korda will be hoping for a re-run of the pair’s last meeting when he beat Alcaraz in three sets in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters. The fact that he beat Alcaraz on clay will fill him with an abundance of confidence. It’s been smooth sailing so far for Korda who is yet to drop a set en route to the third round. Wins against Richard Gasquet and John Millman have been impressive but this will be his toughest test by far. Much of his hopes will rest on his serve. If he can serve well, he has every chance of causing the upset, but if he can’t, it could be a long night.
Jack’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Alcaraz 3-1 (+250)
Novak Djokovic (1) vs Aljaž Bedene
The world #1 has successfully made it through to the third round here at the French Open, and he will face off against Aljaž Bedene for a place in the Round of 16. As expected, it has been smooth sailing for the Serb so far, winning both his matches in straight sets. This will be the first time unseeded Bedene faces a seeded player, and what a test it will be, he has won his first two games in this Grand Slam in four sets.
Jeffery Thomas
Novak Djokovic had another straight set victory in the second round over Alex Molcan, who has been a tough opponent this clay season. Djoker was just too much for him though, as the world number one breezed through for his seventh straight win on clay. Now Novak will look to make it to the fourth round here at the French Open again, something he’s done every year since 2009.
Aljaz Bedene had a four set victory over Pablo Cuevas and now has gone four in both of his matches so far. It’s also the first time Bedene has won consecutive matches since last year’s Wimbledon, so it’s been almost a year. His little winning streak will surely be coming to an end here though, as Novak Djokovic is just on a whole different level than almost everybody right now. He will not let this match stay close and will prevent Bedene from making his first Grand Slam fourth round appearance.
Jeffery’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Djokovic 3-0 (-450)
Marko Nadin
The world no. 1 Novak Djokovic has started well in the French Open hoping to win his third title here and to tie Rafael Nadal with 21 career Grand Slam titles. The Serbian is 14-4 for the season including 12-3 on clay and has won only one tournament in 2022, which was last week at ATP Masters 1000 in Rome. On his way to the third round in Paris, Djokovic defeated Yoshihito Nishioka and Alex Molcan both in straight sets. Djokovic has played his next opponent Aljaz Bedene three times so far in his career and has won all three matches without dropping a set.
Bedene is currently 195th player in the ATP rankings with his career-best being at no. 43. He is 3-4 for the season and 3-2 on clay. Bedene has made it further than the opening round in only one of the four tournaments he played in this season, but has managed to win the first two rounds at the French Open. He won in 4 sets in both matches against Chris O’Connell and Pablo Cuevas.
Marko’s French Open Pick: Game Spread – Djokovic -9.5 (-128)
Jack Hartman
Things have been going perfectly to plan for Novak Djokovic who is looking to join his great rival Rafa Nadal on 21 Grand Slams. Djokovic seems to be full of confidence following his win at the Rome Masters and he has made quick work of his two opponents so far. Yet to drop a set, he faces a surprising third round opponent in the form of Aljaž Bedene. Bedene, who used to be a constant fixture inside the world’s top 50 has had a tough time of things lately and now finds himself all the way down at 195 in the world.
His return to form will fill him with immense joy, but here the journey ends. The two have played three times, with two of those meetings coming in Grand Slams. Djokovic has won them all and is yet to have dropped a set. I expect more of the same here. Djokovic knew heading into his first round match that from this point his draw would get substantially tougher. On the horizon is a quarterfinal match against Nadal and if he can get through that, the prospect of facing either Alcaraz or Zverev awaits. He will want to get this match done quickly.
Jack’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Djokovic 3-0 (-450)
Round 3 Tennis Picks For The French Open: Women’s Draw
Coco Gauff (18) vs Kaia Kanepi
Coco Gauff is into the third round here at the French Open and she will face off against Kaia Kanepi for a spot in the Round of 16. It’s been relatively smooth sailing so far for Gauff, who is yet to drop a set at this Grand Slam. Unseeded Kanepi took down the 10th seed, Muguruza, in the first round (in three sets), and in the second round, she got the win in straight sets.
Jeffery Thomas
A great matchup of different eras is on tap as the young star Coco Gauff takes on the wily veteran Kaia Kanepi in the third round. This should be a hard-hitting match as both women possess huge serves and ground strokes so we could be in for a lot of quick points. Coco has the huge advantage in terms of movement and athleticism, but I still see this match being very tricky for her. The reason for that is the fact that she has the largest weakness on the court and that’s her forehand.
When Gauff goes against power players they attack her forehand and it just sprays errors all over the place. On clay it won’t be as big of a problem because the dirt will give her time to absorb the pace a little bit, but it’s still going to be a huge issue. Kanepi isn’t the most consistent on the tour but she is a bit of a giant killer, as we’ve already seen when she took out top 10 ranked Garbine Muguruza. I can see a path to Coco winning but I think it will be tough for her at times in the match especially if those double fault issues pop up. Give me Kanepi to keep it close.
Jeffery’s French Open Pick: Game Spread – Kanepi +3.5 (-104)
Marko Nadin
Cori Gauff is only 18-years-old but this is her fourth appearance in the French Open. In two of the previous three she made it to the quarterfinals of the tournament. The American is on her way to repeat the same and maybe even go deeper in the tournament after winning the first two matches in straight sets. In the opening round, Gauff defeated Rebecca Marino 7-5, 6-0 and in the second she was better than Alison Van Uytvanck by 6-1, 7-6. Gauff is currently 23rd in the WTA rankings with her best ranked at no. 15. She is 16-10 for the season with 6-3 on clay. Gauff has played her next opponent Kaia Kanepi once before and she won 7-6, 7-6 in Parma in 2021.
Kanepi is a much more experienced player than Gauff as she is double her age. The Estonian is 19-7 this season including 10-3 on clay. Kanepi played at the French Open for the first time in 2004, the year Cori Gauff was born. In the first two rounds at this year’s French Open, Kanepi defeated Garbine Muguruza in three sets and Beatriz Haddad Maria in straight sets in the second round. Kanepi still plays on a high level despite being 36-years-old but today will not be able to win against the young Cori Gauff.
Marko’s French Open Pick: Moneyline – Gauff (-230)
Jack Hartman
It’s tough to believe that Coco Gauff is just 18 years old. She has been on the tour for a few years now but still has so much improving to do. At 23 in the world, it’s hard to think how good she could be. Gauff clearly likes it in Paris as the French Open has been the Grand Slam that she has been the most successful in. The young American is looking to back up her quarterfinal appearance at last year’s tournament and so far she has got off to a great start. Gauff, who can sometimes make life tricky for herself, has won both her rounds in straight sets and she looks to be in great form ahead of this match against Kanepi. The two have only met once before which came at last year’s Parma Open. Gauff was the victor winning in two tight sets 7-6, 7-6.
Kanepi, who is in the twilight of her career, is playing some of her best tennis. The experienced Estonian has had some fantastic results in the Grand Slams this year defeating the likes of Garbine Muguruza, Angelique Kerber and Aryna Sabalenka. A relentless hitter and one of the fittest women on the WTA Tour, she will believe she has every chance of winning this contest. This is a really tough match to call, but with the American seeming at home on the clay, we will side with Gauff to emerge victorious.
Jack’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Gauff 2-1 (+290)
Camila Giorgi (28) vs Aryna Sabalenka (7)
Italian Camila Giorgi will experience her toughest assignment yet when she battles with seventh seed Aryna Sabalenka in the third round. Giorgi dropped the opening set of her first round match, but since then she hasn’t dropped a set. Sabalenka may be the seventh seed, but due to all the upsets in the women’s draw throughout the first two rounds, she is now the third highest ranked female player left. Like Giorgi, Sabalenka dropped the opening set in her first round appearance, but has gone on to win every set since.
Jeffery Thomas
Italian Camila Giorgi is through to the third round here at Roland Garros after taking out Shuai Zhang and Yulia Putintseva. Interestingly enough, Giorgio had not won a match (outside of the Billie Jean King exhibitions) since the Australian Open, so she really shows up big for the Grand Slams. Her “grip it and rip it” mentally was a big reason for her seven match losing streak but it’s working out for her right now. She blasted 26 winners past Putintseva in the second round, to go along with 27 unforced errors.
Aryna Sabalenka survived a scare in the first round to Chloe Paquet, as the world number 7 was down a set and a break. She recovered and ended up winning that match and the next one against Madison Brengle in straight sets. These two women both suffer from extreme double fault problems but Sabalenka has by far the more dangerous serve and ground strokes. She also throws in a bit of variety from time to time and I see this as a great opportunity for her to make it to her first fourth round at the French Open.
Jeffery’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Sabalenka 2-0 (-110)
Marko Nadin
Aryna Sabalenka has fallen to seventh place in the WTA rankings after finishing last year at no. 2. She has a 15-11 record for the year and 9-4 on clay. She defeated Chloe Paquet in the opening round of the French Open by 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 and Madison Brengle in the second round by 6-1, 6-3. This is Sabalenka’s sixth appearance at the French Open and she has never made it past the third round. This year she will have a chance against Camila Giorgi who she defeated 6-0, 6-3 on clay in Lugano in 2018 and lost 6-7, 6-0, 4-6 on grass in Eastbourne in 2021.
Camila Giorgi is currently 30th in the WTA ranking with her career-best being at no. 26. Giorgi has also never made it past the third round at the French Open and will have a chance to do so this year after she defeated Shuai Zhang in the opening round by 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 and Yulia Putintseva by 6-3, 7-5 in the second round. Giorgi is 6-7 for the season and 2-3 on clay. She is 30-years-old and has passed her prime. Sabalenka is a much better player at the moment and will win this one in straight sets.
Marko’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Sabalenka 2-0 (-110)
Jack Hartman
Two of the biggest hitters on the WTA Tour meet in what is bound to be an explosive third round encounter between Italian Camila Giorgi and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. Both players have had similar journeys on their way to the third round with both heading into this matchup off the back of straight set wins. This will be the pair’s third contest with each player having won one previous encounter. Sabalenka hasn’t had her best of years and the former world number 2 has slipped to 7 in the world. The French Open has been the Slam where she has posted her worst results, and she is yet to advance past the third round.
Due to the shocks that have impacted the women’s side of the draw, she finds herself as the third highest remaining seed left. The better player of the duo, she will have a great chance of advancing past the third round for the first time. Camila Giorgi has reached the third round of the French Open for just the second time in her career. On the whole it’s been a tough year for the Italian, she has struggled to win back to back matches all year and entered the tournament with three successive first round defeats. Her return to form has been welcome but she has a tough task on her hands here.
Jack’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Sabalenka 2-1 (+280)
Jessica Pegula (11) vs Tamara Zidanšek (24)
With Collins bowing out in the second round, Jessica Pegula is now the top ranked American left in the draw, and she will do battle with Tamara Zidanšek for a spot in the Round of 16. Pegula won her first round match in straight sets, but it took three sets to defeat Kalinina in the second round. Zidanšek hasn’t spent much time on the court at all! She won 6-2, 6-2 in the first round, and her second round match was a walkover.
Jeffery Thomas
American Jessica Pegula has continued her great clay court season into the French Open and now is in the third round for the second consecutive year. She escaped past Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina in the second round in what was a pretty weird match. Pegula rolled the first set 6-1, and was rolling in the second as well, serving for the match at 5-2. She had three match points in that game but was broken and then served for the match again at 5-4 and was broken to 15. Jessie would go on to lose that set 5-7. She then had a double break in the third up 4-1 but was broken twice to get it back to 4-4.
The American then broke Kalinina and served it out to win 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 in a topsy-turvy match that I’m sure she will want to put it on the back burners. Tamara Zindasek will be fresh after an easy straight sets victory in the opening round and then receiving a walkover into the third round. Pegula leads the head-to-head 1-0 and I see her pushing that to 2-0 after this one. She’s been in better form this year and just has the more dangerous game overall. The match will be on Jessie’s racket, and if she can serve to her capabilities and keep the errors down then this match will not see a third set.
Jeffery’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Pegula 2-0 (+100)
Marko Nadin
Jessica Pegula is currently 11th in the WTA rankings which is also her career-best. The 28-year-old American is 21-11 this season and 9-3 on clay. This is the second time she has made it into the third round of the French Open and hopes to get one step further after she lost to Sofia Kenin last year. Pegula is coming off a tough 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 win over Anhelina Kalinina in a match in which she led 5-1 in the second set and went on to lose six straight games. Pegula has played her next opponent Tamara Zidansek once before, defeating her 6-2, 6-3 in Auckland in 2020.
Zidansek is currently 25th in the WTA rankings with her career-best being at no. 22. The 24-year-old Slovenian is 9-8 for the season and 2-3 on clay. She defeated Claire Liu 6-2, 6-2 in the opening round and advanced to the third round after her second round opponent Mayar Sherif withdrew from the tournament. Zidansek has won 3 WTA titles so far in her career, with the last one in 2021 in Lausanne.
Marko’s French Open Pick: Set Betting – Pegula 2-0 (+100)
Jack Hartman
The top ranked American left in the women’s draw is Jessica Pegula, and Pegula has the opportunity to advance to the 4th round at Roland Garros for the very first time in her career. Pegula is looking to back up her performance at the Australian Open which saw her reach the quarterfinals. Pegula has been playing some of the best tennis of her career this season and has enjoyed some great results on the clay. She showed she could compete with the best women on clay when she reached the final of Madrid, losing narrowly to Ons Jabeur. Two further wins followed in Rome and she has reached this stage of the tournament having only lost one set. With how the women’s draw has opened up, Pegula has a great chance of a deep run this year. Getting past Tamara Zidanšek certainly won’t be an easy feat.
At 25 in the world Zidanšek will believe she has every chance of causing the upset. Her form this year hasn’t been the greatest and a return to her favorite surface hasn’t had the desired effect with Zidanšek losing early in both Madrid and Rome. However, Zidanšek returns to the venue where she has played some of her greatest tennis. A semi-finalist last year, Zidanšek knows how to win big matches here. She heads into this match having won her first round match in straight sets, before then getting the added benefit of her second round opponent pulling out before a ball was hit. Zidanšek heads into this match well rested. The two have met once before, with Pegula winning in straight sets. Things won’t be as easy as that this time around and considering Zidanšek is playing on her favorite surface, she will just edge this one.
Jack’s French Open Pick: Moneyline – Zidanšek (+220)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
