The first round of the French Open commences on May 24, 2026, showcasing several intriguing matchups on the clay courts of Paris. Among the most anticipated clashes is the contest between Alexander Zverev and Benjamin Bonzi. Zverev, a prominent figure in men’s tennis, enters as a heavy favorite due to his impressive record at Roland Garros.
Upcoming Matches and Predictions
Three noteworthy matches are highlighted for the opening day of the tournament:
- Zverev vs. Bonzi – Scheduled for May 24 at 13:30 CEST. This marks their first meeting on the ATP tour.
- Davidovich Fokina vs. Dzumhur – Scheduled for May 24 at 11:00 CEST. Fokina leads their head-to-head record 2-0.
- Machac vs. Bergs – Scheduled for May 24 at 13:00 CEST. Machac holds a 2-1 advantage in their previous matches.
Zverev vs. Bonzi
Alexander Zverev comes into this match following a mixed performance in his recent tournaments, winning three out of his last five. He reached the finals in 2024 and faced tough competition last season, losing to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals.
On the other hand, Benjamin Bonzi has struggled recently, with three losses in his last five matches. He exited in the first round of the previous year’s French Open. Zverev’s strong track record and ability to dominate on clay make him the clear favorite for this contest.
Value Bets
- Zverev covering the games handicap: Alexander Zverev -8.5 games handicap @1.91 at bet365.
Davidovich Fokina vs. Dzumhur
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina aims to regain form as he faces Damir Dzumhur. Fokina, despite holding a perfect head-to-head record against Dzumhur, has faced challenges recently, losing three of his last five matches.
Dzumhur’s recent performance includes a quarterfinal finish in Valencia, yet he remains the underdog in this matchup. Given his competitive edge on clay, the match may be closer than anticipated.
- Value bet: Damir Dzumhur +7.5 games handicap @1.73 at bet365.
Machac vs. Bergs
Tomas Machac, recovering from an injury, enters this match against Zizou Bergs as the slight favorite. Both players have experienced recent ups and downs, each losing three out of their last five matches.
Machac’s experience on clay positions him well against Bergs, who typically finds it difficult on this surface. Expect a competitive encounter, with Machac likely to deliver strong performance.
- Value bet: Tomas Machac winning @1.57 at bet365.
As the French Open unfolds, fans can expect thrilling tennis action and potential upsets in the first round. Bet wisely and enjoy the matches!
