(Tennis news) The 27th-ranked player in the world and semifinalist at Roland Garros in 2022 was put to the test by South African Lloyd Harris in his opening match. The 26-year-old drew first blood by winning the opening set in a tiebreak despite not playing his best tennis.

Harris, to his credit, didn’t give up and twice came close to tying the score. But Zverev triumphed, taking all seven of the tiebreak’s points to secure a decisive two-set lead. The German quickly completed the third set with just one point lost, improving her record to 24-7 at the clay court Major and 17-14 overall.

To improve to 12-11 on the year and 2-1 at Roland Garros, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the second round last year, World No. 86 Molcan defeated French wildcard Hugo Gaston in straight sets. The 25-year-old Molcan has had a respectable clay court season, making the second round in Madrid and Rome as well as the semifinals of the inaugural Banja Luka Open in Srpska. He will now try to go to the third round of Roland Garros for the first time, but 19-time ATP Tour champion Zverev will be a formidable opponent.

Head-to-Head

They have never met before, hence they have a 0-0 head-to-head record.

Predictions

Although Zverev and Molcan both fit the stereotype of baseliners, the German has the advantage due to his greater consistency, maturity, and lineage, especially on clay. While Molcan has more understated qualities, Zverev has a strong serve, the ability to attack hard off either flank, and good movement for his height. In addition, the German has a better clay record than Molcan (28-13), going 117-47 and winning six titles. The seasoned German should prevail despite the fact that both players just won their opening match in straight sets.

Predictions: Zverev to win in 3 sets.

Also read: Novak Djokovic advances to the 3rd round of the French Open