TennisSection previews the 2022 French Open as Pablo Carreno Busta takes on Gilles Simon in the first round on Tuesday, May 24th, 2022.
In what is surely going to be an emotional day, Gilles Simon could very well play for the final time at the French Open. Having announced his plans to retire at the end of 2022, Simon will be looking to go out on a high at his home slam when he faces Pablo Carreno Busta. Will the Frenchman roll back the years?
Pablo Carreno Busta started the European clay swing brilliantly, but his form faded in his last three tournaments. The 30-year-old made the Round of 16 in Monte-Carlo and finished runner-up in Barcelona. But three defeats in his next four matches have blunted his powers heading to the French Open. It is pertinent to note that Carreno Busta owns a fine record at the clay slam, having twice made the last eight and reached the fourth round last year. He also has what on paper looks like a winnable opener against the French wild card Gilles Simon.
Gilles Simon confirmed on social media a couple of weeks ago that he will be hanging up his racket at the end of the season. Simon’s career spans precisely two decades on the professional circuit. But in the past few years, he had found it increasingly difficult to stay competitive. Even a return to the Challenger Tour could not fuel a successful comeback post injury. And with his reputation intact, Simon admits he will going out on his own terms. So could he produce the tennis that propelled him to as high as No. 6 over a decade ago?
Pablo Carreno Busta leads Gilles Simon 4-2 in the series. The Spaniard has dominated this rivalry, winning their past three meetings all in straight sets. However, the two players have yet to meet in nearly three years. Both players are not too dissimilar in their pattern of play, but there is a distinct difference in style. Whereas Simon is a defensive counterpuncher, Carreno Busta is an offensive baseliner who will always huff and puff to find the winning shot in a rally. I think Simon is very much on his last legs and the crowd will get behind him. But it is tough to imagine the Frenchman winding down the clock one more time at the French Open.
Free Tennis Pick and Prediction: Pablo Carreno Busta to win in straight sets.
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