John Isner (31) d Sam Querrey 7-6(2) 6-3 6-4
In a close first set, with both big serving Americans holding their serve, it would be hard for Querrey to imagine himself coming back from a set down. The only two breaks came from Isner. Enough to seal the match.
Steve Johnson d Frances Tiafoe 6-7(5) 3-6 6-4 6-2 6-1
Johnson always loves a good fairytale 0-2 comeback to win a grand slam match! The 31yo just had more Grand Slam experience, leading to a huge win.
Gianluca Mager d Peter Gojowczyk 6-2 3-6 6-4 7-5
In a shock withdrawal from Aussie John Millman, it was the German who showed up, much to Mager's surprise, but that didn't phase the Italian, clinically breaking at twice the rate of the German, despite more break opportunities for Gojowczyk.
Jannik Sinner (18) d Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-1 4-6 6-7(4) 7-5 6-4
Previewing this match, Sinner could be worried. 1: French Crowd 2: Herbert's ability to surprise opponents and rush the net, leading Sinner's strong groundstroke game in disarray.
Despite a convincing first set, the Frenchman didn't disappear. The crowd cheered him on as he raced to a 2-1 set lead and even having match point, but the Italian rose to the occasion, finishing the match with confidence.
Filip Krajinovic d Maximillian Marterer 6-4 6-1 7-6(3)
There was some hype for the German pre-match, but it was the Serb who showed up. Krajinovi
c won 87% of his first serves, leading the German struggling to break the big server. This led to no breaks, and 4 for the Serb throughout the match.
Thiago Monteiro d Francisco Cerundolo 6-3 6-4 6-3
The Brazilian was simply too good against the Argentine. Both players had similar serving statistics, but it was Monteiro creating twice the break point opportunities as Cerundolo (15-7). Monteiro will face hustler Steve Johnson in the second round.
Federico Delbonis d Radu Albot 6-1 2-6 6-0 6-1
A very strange scoreline here. Unless it is a completely one-sided match, it is never less than three games each person each set. Despite the Moldovian actually having more break point opportunities (16-13), it was the Argentine that was clinical in snatching those break points (10/13) compared to (4/16). Match statistics show his serve was likely the reason for saving break points, and Albot serving 10 double faults did not help either.
Casper Ruud (15) d Benoit Paire 5-7 6-2 6-1 7-6(4)
With the French crowd behind Paire, it was a case of the Frenchman actually giving it a crack. This is a rare environment for Paire to have his head screwed in and play professionally. Ultimately it was in-form Ruud to have a reasonably comfortable next three sets.
Cameron Norrie d Bjorn Fratangelo 7-5 7-6(5) 6-2
The Nottingham Nadal continues his fine form with a straight sets victory. Fratangelo served arguably better, but it was Norrie being clinical on break points (6/12) compared to the American's (3/12).
Reilly Opelka (32) d Andrej Martin 6-3 6-2 6-4
After an early break from Martin, the American focused on his serve and was clinical, holding his serve, and improving his return game for the rest of the match.
Yoshihito Nishioka d Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4 6-2 3-6 7-6(5)
Despite what the French crowd wanted and cheered, ultimately the better play won here. Nishioka has improved his clay performance this season, and despite his best effort to level the tie at 2 sets a piece, the man from Japan got the better of him.
Dominik Koepfer d Mathias Borgue 6-3 6-3 6-4
The German was just more clinical on clay in this match. This ultimately comes down to big stage performances, which Koepfer is more experienced in. Althought recently Koepfer can show self-destruction mentality, in the early rounds, the German is controlled.
Daniil Medvedev (2) d Alexander Bublik 6-3 6-3 7-5
Many different opinions of the match surfaced, as no-one knew if the Russian would show up. Medvedev kept his mentality under control in a solid performance. If the Russian keeps his head cool against future opponents, he could go far in the tournament.
Taylor Fritz (30) d Joao Sousa 6-4 6-2 6-4
With the American winning 81% of his first serve, it is difficult for Sousa to break. It was only one break, but five for Fritz throughout the match. Fritz's returning game has improved significantly in 2021, and if he improves his mentality a bit, his ranks should flourish as he matures.
Tommy Paul d Christopher O'Connell 6-2 6-4 4-6 4-6 10-8
The American snatches a victory, after what should have been just three sets of tennis. The Australian had 18 break point opportunities, but only snatching 4, compared to Paul's 6/8. Paul definitely crumbled in the latter of the match, but against an opponent like O'Connell, the match was not over and done. Paul fighting back in the fifth to snatch it 10-8.
Jaume Munar d Jordan Thompson 6-7(6) 6-1 7-6(5) 6-4
A decent first set for the Aussie, but it was not enough, as Munar picked up the pace, becoming more clinicial, and leaving Thompson frustrated.
Pedro Martinez d Sebastian Korda 6-4 6-2 6-2
The more natural clay-courter in Martinez purely out-played Korda. There is definitely something about winning a title then losing first round next tournament, even if that next tournament in a Grand Slam. Korda just didn't serve well, and Martinez served impeccably, leaving little room for Korda to break.
Lorenzo Musetti d David Goffin (13) 6-0 7-5 7-6(3)
Another seed goes down! Goffin has not been in good form at all recently, and pre-match Musetti was the favourite. Not surprised that Musetti got the better of the Belge here
Carlos Alcaraz Garcia d Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-3 2-6 6-1 7-6(4)
It was the favoured Garcia to come out on top in Paris, but it was a relatively tight affair, in a 3 hour match.
Nikoloz Basilashvilli (28) d Dusan Lajovic 6-4 6-3 0-6 6-2
In a match with momentum shifts everywhere, it was the seeded Georgian to come out on top.
Kamil Majchrzak d Arthur Cazaux 6-4 2-6 6-4 6-4
The Polish man was just too good for the 18yo Frenchman. Cazaux just needs some more big stage experience, and next Roland Garros, Cazaux could do significantly better.
Marin Cilic d Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(6) 6-1 6-2
The first set was crucial here. If the Frenchman snatched it, it would have been difficult for Cilic to comeback, but Cilic kept the momentum and finished Rinderknech convincingly.
Lloyd Harris d Lorenzo Sonego (26) 7-5 6-4 6-4
In the biggest upset in Day 2, the out of form South African swept the Italian off the floor. Harris served excellently, with 74% win on his first serve, and feeding on Sonego's weaker serve on the day.
Roger Federer (8) d Denis Istomin 6-2 6-4 6-3
Federer finally seemed to play some convincing tennis. With 80% win on his first and 79% win on his second, he used these weapons to kick serve and come up to the net to finish. Federer, at his age, definitely prefers to finish the point off quicker, and opponents should anticipate net approaches in the coming rounds.
