French Open weekend betting tips: Fonseca vs Draper, Norrie vs Fearnley, Kasatkina vs Badosa

As the middle weekend of Roland Garros approaches, the men’s singles draw has already been hit by a series of high-profile upsets.

Fourth seed Taylor Fritz and Daniil Medvedev both crashed out in the opening round, while Alex de Minaur squandered a two-set lead to fall to Alexander Bublik in round two. Perhaps the most surprising result so far was two-time finalist Casper Ruud's early exit at the hands of Portugal’s Nuno Borges.

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The women’s draw has followed a more predictable path, with all of the top eight seeds safely through to the third round. Iga Swiatek looked back to her best as she dismantled Emma Raducanu, Aryna Sabalenka has conceded just five games across her first two matches, and Coco Gauff has cruised into the last 32 with relative ease.

Joao Fonseca vs Jack Draper

Britain’s Jack Draper came through a late-night thriller with home favourite Gael Monfils on Thursday night, setting up an enticing battle with teenage sensation Joao Fonseca.

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The fearless Brazilian carries an outstanding junior pedigree and has already made headlines at Grand Slams, taking out Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open, and now winning a pair of matches at Roland Garros in straight sets.

Draper and Fonseca’s only ATP Tour meeting came at Indian Wells in March. It was a comfortable 6-4, 6-0 success for the 23-year-old en route to his first Masters 1000 title.

FIRST’s top tip for Joao Fonseca vs Jack Draper

Draper is well worthy of his place in the world’s top five, and crucially appears to be over the worst of the physical issues that plagued him last year. While this is undoubtedly a dangerous opponent, Draper’s composure, quality, and growing big-match experience should see him through without the need to go the distance.

Pick: Jack Draper -3.5 Game Handicap - 21/20 (BetMGM)

Cameron Norrie vs Jacob Fearnley

It has been a wretched two years for Cameron Norrie, but he has rediscovered some form in recent weeks. The former world number eight picked up some impressive wins in Geneva before taking Novak Djokovic to a decider, and then he took out Medvedev on Court Simonne-Mathieu this week.

Fellow Brit Jacob Fearnley stands in his way on Saturday, with the up-and-comer looking to reach the fourth round in a Grand Slam for the first time.

FIRST’s top tip for Cameron Norrie vs Jacob Fearnley

Norrie showed superb mental strength in the key moments against Medvedev, and I expect the more experienced player to do the same in this all-British affair.

Pick: Cameron Norrie to win - 51/50 (Matchbook)

Daria Kasatkina vs Paula Badosa

Paula Badosa’s win over Naomi Osaka was one of the most anticipated first-round matchups at the tournament, though the level of play didn’t quite match the hype.

The Spaniard didn’t appear entirely comfortable in round two against world number 80 Elena-Gabriela Ruse either, and had to come from behind to progress.

2022 French Open semi-finalist Daria Kasatkina was far more solid in her second-round triumph over Leolia Jeanjean.

FIRST’s top tip for Daria Kasatkina vs Paula Badosa

Both players can be unpredictable, and I’m surprised to see Badosa as such a clear favourite in what looks like more of a 50/50. Kasatkina makes sense as a bet.

Pick: Daria Kasatkina to win - 13/10 (Matchbook)