Roland Garros: Kevin Anderson vs Laslo Djere preview, head-to-head & prediction | French Open 2020
Match details
Fixture: Kevin Anderson vs Laslo Djere
Date: 29 September 2020
Tournament: Roland Garros 2020
Round: First round (Round of 128)
Venue: Paris, France
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Red clay
Prize money: Approx €38,000,000
Match timing: Approx. 1 pm CEST, 4.30 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - NBC / Tennis Channel | India - Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar VIP
Also check out: The Complete French Open 2020 Schedule
Kevin Anderson vs Laslo Djere preview
Kevin Anderson is a prominent name in the ATP circuit and one of the most dangerous players in the world when on song. However, the 34-year-old has had a tough 2020 so far.
The South African has been unable to bring his best to the fore, falling short at crucial moments throughout the year. For instance, he bagelled Tommy Paul in the second set of his first-round encounter at Hamburg last week, but went on to lose the game 6-4, 0-6, 6-4.
Anderson was ousted in his tournament opener at the 2020 US Open by eventual finalist Alexander Zverev. He also exited the Rome Masters in the first round.
It is safe to say that it has been an underwhelming year for Kevin Anderson, who has a Wimbledon final as well as a US Open final to his credit.
Unlike Anderson, Laslo Djere comes into Roland Garros with some momentum. While the Serb was knocked out in the first round of the US Open last month, he made an excellent comeback in Kitzbuhel, reaching the semifinals of the tournament.
Djere beat second seed Diego Schwartzman during that run, going past the Argentine with a 7-6(2), 6-3 scoreline. He also made it to the semi-finals of the Cordoba Open earlier this year.
The 25-year-old enjoys playing on clay, and has won six out of nine matches on the surface this year.
Kevin Anderson vs Laslo Djere head-to-head
Kevin Anderson leads Laslo Djere 1-0 in the head-to-head rivalry. The South African won the solitary encounter which took place at the Maharashtra Open last year.
Kevin Anderson vs Laslo Djere prediction
This is a tricky game to call. While Kevin Anderson boasts of experience and more success at the highest level, Laslo Djere comes into the tournament on the back of some strong performances on clay.
Anderson has made it to the last 16 at Roland Garros in his last two appearances, and has a respectable win percentage of 65% at the tournament. Djere, meanwhile, has his best win percentage at a Grand Slam at the French Open (40%).
While the South African will hope to gain a few quick points with his towering serve, Djere is likely to stick to his defensive, consistent playing style.
Prediction: Laslo Djere to win in five sets.
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