The tennis tournaments at the Paris Olympics continue with eight second round men’s singles matches on Monday. The quest for gold involves some of the best players in the sport. As always, we here at LastWordOnTennis predict all the matches for you. The other article features Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal. Damian Kust, Manuel Traquete and Jordan Reynolds predict these matches. Who do you think will advance to round 3?

Predictions Olympic Games Men Day 3 Paris

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Dan Evans

Damien
This season has been extremely tough for Evans and he will soon have the monumental task of defending 500 points for a winning Washington. He usually steps up in team-based scenarios, but even his opener against Echargui was pretty tough. Right now and on clay, he is simply not at the level of Tsitsipas.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2

Manually
Tsitsipas is one of the best clay court players in the world and he has won all 8 sets he has played against Evans in his career in a routine manner. It is a very comfortable matchup for him, even more so on clay.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2

Jordan
Evans made headlines with his extraordinary comeback alongside Andy Murray in the men’s doubles, where they saved five match points to win. However, he has struggled on clay in the singles. Tsitsipas’s whole game is better on sand and I don’t see him having any problems reaching the next round.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2

Matteo Arnaldi vs. Dominik Koepfer

Damien
Arnaldi dominates the Fils match with a 5-0 lead, but there are many other rivalries where he doesn’t play with quite the same clarity of thought. Koepfer could be a good example of that, as the Italian will have to dictate the game more here and limit himself to overheating, the opponent won’t do that for him. He’s so talented, maybe he’ll figure it out.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 3

Manually
Koepfer won a three-way tiebreak against Raonic today, while Arnaldi was much more impressive against Fils; he is also generally the better player of the two and the most comfortable on clay. He should be able to advance here, with Nadal or Djokovic waiting for him in the next round.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 2

Jordan
Arnaldi has the most firepower in this matchup, but Koepfer is a tough customer, especially on clay. The German’s defense is strong and hard to break. But I doubt it’s good enough to hold off Arnaldi over three sets.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 3

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Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs. Roman Safiullin

Damien
Safiullin took a rather unexpected victory over Tabilo, given the form of both players going into the event (and the surface they played on). However, Etcheverry is more reliable than the Chilean and may be harder to beat. This is probably the match where Safiullin’s clay magic proves to be very short-lived.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 2

Manually
Safiullin won excellently against Tabilo in the first round, but Etcheverry is the better player of the two on clay and should have an edge here, even if it turns out to be a neck-and-neck race.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 3

Jordan
Safiullin will try to be aggressive as always. However, he is most effective on hardcourt, and Etcheverry is a great player on clay. The Argentine will probably control this match with his formidable forehand and impressive athleticism.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 2

Carlos Alcaraz versus Tallon Griekspoor

Damien
Alcaraz will get a proper test here after Habib round one and let’s not forget Griekspoor nearly beat Zverev at the French Open (leading 4-1 in the 5th set with a double break). The Spaniard is a much more versatile player though and should have enough tricks up his sleeve to neutralise Griekspoor’s serve and forehand firepower even when he gets hot.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2

Manually
Griekspoor has come close to beating top players before, which shows he has the level, but maybe not quite the mentality, that we saw against Zverev at Roland Garros this year. If he plays well, he could give Alcaraz trouble, but the Spaniard should win regardless.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2

Jordan
Griekspoor showed just how dangerous he is when he forced Alexander Zverev to five sets at this year’s French Open. Alcaraz’s greater ability to be on the front foot in rallies makes this a tougher task. Griekspoor dictated many of the points against Zverev, but he is unlikely to get that luxury here.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2

Main photo credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports