Stan Wawrinka versus Alexandr Dolgopolov

Fizzle or Sizzle?  That will be the question in this second-round match that pits Stan Wawrinka against Alexandr Dolgopolov.  These are two of the most talented shot-makers in the sport.  The Swiss has a beautiful one-handed backhand and blistering forehand, that when at his best, allows him to bully any opponent around the court.  The Ukrainian, by contrast, relies on lightning-fast foot speed that allows him to take the ball early and penetrate the court with his flat ground strokes.  It is those weapons that make Dolgopolov's opponents take him seriously even at his current ranking of Number 89. 

Wawrinka, who trails in their rivalry 1-2, certainly should not make the mistake of taking him lightly.  But even if Dolgopolov brings his A-game, this is still Wawrinka's match to win.  His greater firepower should see him in the driver's seat for a greater percentage of the rallies, as well as his superior variety.  He also should be in a good place mentally, not only because he is a former champion here, but after winning the title last week in Geneva, he could be hitting his stride just at the right time. So, if both are firing on all cylinders, this could be a real treat for the fans, and one that ends with a victory for the Swiss.

Elina Svitolina versus Tsvetana Pironkova

Talk continues about how wide open the women's field is and the handful of women who could be labeled as favorites in the absence of the more established stars.  One of the players frequently mentioned within that handful of potential favorites is Svitolina, and it is with good reason.  The Ukrainian has shot up into the Top 10 in the rankings and is currently enjoying the best season of her career.  Half of her eight singles titles have come in 2017, including a victory in Rome before coming to Paris.  She has yet to taste significant success at the majors, however, she has never looked more poised to rectify that than she does now.  Pironkova will be looking to halt those plans though. 

The Bulgarian is better known for her heroic exploits on the lawns of Wimbledon, but she did reach the last eight at this tournament last season.  She is a former Top 40 player as well, and though she has since slid to outside of the Top 70, she is plenty capable of playing above her ranking.  Her world-class backhand and funky spins could test the nerve and patience of Svitolina, but only a fool would bet against Svitolina getting through this encounter.  Her backhand can match the Bulgarian's, and her forehand is in a whole different league.  Plus, as mentioned earlier, Svitolina's confidence is at an all-time high.  Unless she starts to crumble under the pressure of being an outside favorite, she is moving through to the third round.

Kei Nishikori versus Jeremy Chardy

It is fun for fans and analysts to project ahead when dissecting a draw, but tennis players cannot afford that luxury.  So, while many have probably already penciled in a win for Kei Nishikori in his upcoming match against Jeremy Chardy, Nishikori will know better.  The Japanese player is clearly the better and more consistent of the pair, as evidenced by his Top 10 ranking in relation to Chardy's current ranking of Number 74.  Nishikori also has more experience playing these types of matches and is even a former US Open Finalist.  That said, Chardy does not shy away from going up against the big guns.  He was once ranked as high as Number 25, and he will have the home crowd support in this contest. 

Additionally, though he himself has not had much to write home about in 2017, the same can be said for Nishikori.  The current Number 9 has had a sub-par season compared to what he did in 2016.  He came into Roland Garros nursing injury concerns and did not exactly waltz through his opening match here.  Chardy can match him for power from the backhand wing, and if he is allowed to get his teeth into the encounter early or even garner a lead, he could complicate things for the eighth seed.  Still, like Nishikori to get through this one, but Chardy could make it more interesting than what it would suggest on paper.