A Battle Of French Open Specialists

Corentin Moutet vs. Alexander Shevchenko: A Preview of Their French Open Second Round Clash

A Battle of French Open Specialists

French tennis star Corentin Moutet and Ukrainian qualifier Alexander Shevchenko will lock horns in the second round of the 2023 French Open on Wednesday, May 31. Both players have demonstrated impressive form on the clay courts of Roland Garros, making this encounter a highly anticipated affair.

Moutet's Clay Court Credentials

Moutet, ranked 79th in the world, has established himself as a formidable force on clay. The 23-year-old Frenchman has reached the second round of the French Open three times in his career, including in 2022 when he upset 10th seed Pablo Carreño Busta.

Moutet has continued his strong form in 2023, reaching the semifinals of the Marrakech Open and the quarterfinals of the Estoril Open. His victory over Nicolas Jarry in the first round of this year's French Open was a testament to his clay court prowess.

Shevchenko's Challenger Success

While Shevchenko is ranked outside the world's top 100, he has proven his ability to compete at the Challenger level. The 26-year-old Ukrainian has won three Challenger titles on clay this season, including the Heilbronn Open and the Biella Challenger.

Shevchenko's impressive run of form earned him a wildcard entry into the French Open. He made the most of his opportunity by defeating Joao Sousa in the first round, setting up a clash with Moutet in the second round.

Head-to-Head and Prediction

Moutet and Shevchenko have faced each other once before, with Moutet winning in straight sets at the 2021 Challenger de Cherbourg. Given Moutet's superior ranking, clay court experience, and recent form, he is the slight favorite to emerge victorious in this second round encounter.

Prediction: Corentin Moutet to win in four sets