Jakub Mensik will face one of the tougher unseeded opponents in Mariano Navone when second-round action at Roland Garros kicks off on Wednesday. Pablo Carreno Busta and Thanasi Kokkinakis are also aiming for a place in the last 32.
Mariano Navone vs. (26) Jakub Mensik
This is the most important time of year for Navone, and to say that he is making the most of it would be an understatement. The 25-year-old Argentine kicked off the European clay-court swing with his first ATP title in Bucharest, reached the third round in Rome, and finished runner-up in Geneva this past week — knocking off Casper Ruud in the process. Showing no signs of slowing down, Navone clobbered Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Monday.
Up next for the world No. 38 on Wednesday is a first-ever showdown against Mensik, who disposed of Titouan Droguet 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in the opening round. It was a much-needed victory for the 27th-ranked Czech, who was just 3-3 during the clay-court season prior to this fortnight. Although Mensik is without question an all-court player, clay appears to be the surface on which his game is least effective. This is a great opportunity for Navone to continue his hot streak.
Pick: Navone in 5
(PR) Thanasi Kokkinakis vs. Pablo Carreno Busta
It is almost hard to believe — due to physical problems rather than age — that Carreno Busta and Kokkinakis find themselves in round two at Roland Garros in 2026. Carreno Busta, 34, has been plagued by injuries since 2023 but has resurfaced in the top 100 (currently 89th) despite a 4-7 record on the main tour this season. Kokkinakis, 30, had played only two matches since mid-January prior to arriving in Paris.
Both men defied the odds in their opening matches on Monday. Carreno Busta was a heavy underdog against Jiri Lehecka but had no trouble dismantling the No. 12 seed 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-3. Kokkinakis battled for four hours and 18 minutes to beat Terence Atmane 6-7(5), 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. This match all comes down to each participant’s physical state, and — based on what transpired in round one — it is almost certain that Carreno Busta will take the court in better shape. Even if all things are equal, clay favors the Spaniard — who is a two-time Roland Garros quarterfinalist.
Pick: Carreno Busta in 3
