Andy Murray versus Andrey Kuznetsov

If there is one man who has come into this tournament with more question marks than Novak Djokovic, it is Andy Murray.  The Scot has looked like he is still trying to recover from his phenomenal run the back half of 2016, and as result has strung together what has been a poor 2017 thus far.  His play on the clay this spring has been particularly forgettable.  The current world no.1 knows he must find his form quickly and believes he can do so in Paris.  Even so, his antennae should be up in his first round against Andrey Kuznetsov. 

The Russian is by no means an accomplished player, but he is a talented shot-maker, capable of going big from either wing.  He has also been to the second week of a major and has played the top players close, including a four-set loss to Murray a few years ago at the US Open.  His lack of consistency will not test the patience of the Scot, but if Kuznetsov brings his A-game, Murray will have to raise his own level.  Given what fans have seen from Murray in 2017, there is no guarantee that he will be able to do that, but whether it proves easy or difficult, Murray should still be favored to get through this encounter.

Simona Halep versus Jana Cepelova

The women's field at this year's edition of Roland Garros is arguably the widest it has been in over a decade, and many are wondering which of the entrants will step up to take advantage.  The most popular pick has been Simona Halep, a former finalist here, who is looking to capture her maiden major title.  On paper, it is easy to like the Romanian's chances against Jana Cepelova.  The Slovak is barely ranked within the Top 90 and outside of a semifinal run in Istanbul, she has struggled to string together matches, sometimes failing to get out of qualifying at the bigger events.  Contrast that with Halep, who has gotten herself back into the Top 5 thanks to a great stint on the clay that has included a semifinal showing in Stuttgart, a title in Madrid, and a finalist appearance in Rome. 

The Romanian owns the better serve, is quicker about the court, and can inflict more damage from the ground as well.  But the mental side of this match can be a difference-maker here.  Halep has the pressure of being a heavy favorite as well as the knowledge of knowing that this could be her best look at winning a slam singles title.  Furthermore, although Halep trounced Cepelova when they met a few years ago at the US Open, it was Cepelova who won their last encounter a couple of years ago at Wimbledon.  Signs do not point to a similar upset happening on Wednesday, but there have been some strange results in women's tennis of late.

Nick Kyrgios versus Philipp Kohlschreiber

Nick Kyrgios rarely does anything under the radar, but that is where he comes from heading into this Roland Garros.  The Australian had a spectacular spring on the hard courts that included back-to-back victories over Novak Djokovic, but a niggling hip injury has seen his momentum abruptly halted on the dirt.  He is just 2-2 on the clay this spring coming into what is his worst major.  The good news for Kyrgios is that Philipp Kohlschreiber has been mediocre in 2017, too.  The bad news is that the German veteran is a former Top 20 player still ranked just outside of the Top 40.  He nearly upset Andy Murray and earned a 6-0 set against Rafael Nadal, so he has also played some good ball this year. 

Additionally, he is potentially feeling a little better on the clay if his finalist appearance in Morocco is any indication.  That said, this match is on the Australian's racquet.  Kyrgios is such an explosive player, who does everything bigger and better than Kohlschreiber.  But if Kyrgios is still feeling the effects of the hip injury or comes in with an indifferent attitude, Kohlschreiber has the skills and experience to make him pay.  Hard to bet against the eighteenth seed, but this one is a possible upset.