Roland Garros: Novak Djokovic vs Mikael Ymer preview, head-to-head & prediction | French Open 2020
Match details
Fixture: Novak Djokovic vs Mikael Ymer
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. 3 pm CEST, 6.30 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - NBC / Tennis Channel | India - Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar VIP
Also check out: The Complete French Open 2020
Novak Djokovic vs Mikael Ymer preview
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been in imperious form throughout 2020. Barring his shocking disqualification from the US Open, the Serb has not lost at a single tournament he's played in so far this year.
Djokovic has a win-loss record of 31-1 in 2020, and he comes into Roland Garros after lifting his fifth Rome Masters title last week. The 33-year-old now has the most Masters titles to his name, and his next aim will be getting to a double career Grand Slam in Paris.
Mikael Ymer, on the other hand, has had a difficult time over the last two weeks. He participated in the German and Italian Open, but failed to make it to the main draw at both tournaments.
While Ymer managed to qualify for the US Open, he was ousted in the first round by Djokovic's compatriot Filip Krajinovic. The World No. 80 has a win-loss record of 6-6 in 2020.
Novak Djokovic vs Mikael Ymer head-to-head
Novak Djokovic and Mikael Ymer have never faced off on tour before. Their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Novak Djokovic vs Mikael Ymer prediction
Soon after his disqualification from the US Open, Novak Djokovic spoke about wanting to get back on the court to put the incident behind him. He's done just that with his victory in Rome.
The Serb has been caught in a spate of off-court controversies over the last six months, and he will be hungry to make a statement by winning his second Grand Slam title of the year.
Djokovic's defensive and counter-punching approach suits the surface in Paris, especially given the slower and heavier conditions this year. His excellent returning ability and movement will also help him elongate the rallies and coax errors out of his opponents.
Djokovic has made it to the quarterfinals of the French Open every year since 2010. Needless to say, Mikael Ymer has his work cut out for him.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.