Paris Olympics 2024: Tommy Paul vs Jakub Mensik preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (9) Tommy Paul vs Jakub Mensik
Date: July 30, 2024
Tournament: Paris Olympics 2024
Round: Second Round (Round of 32)
Venue: Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
Category: Olympics
Surface: Clay
Live Telecast: USA - NBC, Peacock | UK - Eurosport, Discovery+, BBC iPlayer | Canada - CBC Gem, Radio Canada, Tou.tv | India - JioCinema, Sports18
Tommy Paul vs Jakub Mensik preview
USA's Tommy Paul will take on Czechia's Jakub Mensik in the second round of the Paris Olympics 2024.
Paul took on Italy's Luciano Darderi, ranked No. 33, in the first round. The American went down a break to fall behind 3-1 in the opening set. However, he turned things around rather quickly as he swept the next five games to take the set.
Paul struck first in the second set as he broke the Italian's serve in the third game to go 2-1 up. He consolidated the break with a hold of serve to cement his lead. Darderi later saved a couple of match points in the ninth game and put the onus on the American to close out the contest.
It looked like Darderi might extend the match for a while as he got to break point when Paul served for the match. However, the latter fended it off and got the job done on his second match point for a 6-3, 6-4 win.
Mensik was drawn against Kazakhstan's Alexander Shevchenko in his opener. The Czech teen was off to a flying start as he jumped to a 3-0 lead right off the bat. He let go of three set points on his opponent's serve at 5-2 but closed out the first set himself in the following game to take a one-set lead.
Mensik landed the first blow in the second set as well but Shevchenko broke back immediately to remain on even terms. The teenager gained the upper hand towards the end as he bagged the last three games of the match to secure a 6-3, 6-4 win.
Tommy Paul vs Jakub Mensik head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between them, so the head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Tommy Paul vs Jakub Mensik odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Tommy Paul vs Jakub Mensik prediction
Both players won their first-round matches with identical scorelines and had comparable stats as well. Paul won 72 percent of his first serve points and struck 21 winners in contrast to 20 unforced errors. Mensik won 78 percent of points on the back of his first serve and had 21 winners as well as unforced errors.
After losing in the first round of the previous Olympics, Paul has at least made it past the first hurdle this time. Mensik, meanwhile, made a winning debut. The Czech youngster already reached an ATP final in his first year on the Tour.
While Mensik's skills have ensured his rapid rise, he might find it tough to topple Paul, who's also enjoying a great year. After underperforming on clay the last few years, the American has improved his results on the surface this season. As such, he will be expected to get the better of his younger rival.
Pick: Tommy Paul to win in straight sets.