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Day 3 preview: Three to watch

Things are getting serious in the qualifying draws. Here are three second round matches to enjoy on Wednesday

David Goffin, first round qualifying, Roland-Garros 2026
©Loïc Wacziak / FFT
 - Alix Ramsay

➡️ Wednesday May 20 order of play

Court Suzanne-Lenglen, second match

David Goffin vs Toby Samuel

Match that, David. Two days ago, the 35-year-old Belgian, playing his final year on tour, had the crowd on their feet (including a certain Kim Clijsters) cheering his straight sets win over Chun-Hsin Tseng. His pulse was racing as he walked on court and his tears were flowing at the end. He said that he had never felt anything like it before – and this is a man who had twice led his country to a Davis Cup final. Now he has it all to do again against Toby, a 23-year-old from Winchester ranked No.159, if he is to realise his dream and reach the main draw. Then again, the last time he played in qualifying – back in 2012 – he ended up in the fourth round against Roger Federer. Allez La Goff.

Court 7, third match

Karolina Pliskova vs Marina Bassols Ribera

From thinking her career might be over last year to gathering momentum this season, Karolina is beginning to enjoy life again. A major left ankle injury (she tore two tendons) at the US Open in 2024 left her needing surgery – twice – and even then, she had no idea if she could come back and compete at the level that had once taken her to two Grand Slam finals. Last year was spent away from the tour, rehabbing and wondering. This year, though, she has found her game again and even if the 34-year-old has set herself no goals, she would desperately like to be back in the main draw here. Marina, the world No.177 who has not played a match at tour level this year, had better beware.

Court 2, first match

Marco Cecchinato vs Stefanos Sakellaridis

Cast your mind back: it is 2018 and it is a sultry evening in Paris. An Italian few had ever heard of is about to do the unthinkable and beat Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals. It is only his second appearance in the main draw and yet he ousts the mighty Novak. He was worn down by Dominic Thiem in the next round but Marco had made his mark. He has never come close to repeating that feat in Paris again but with Marco, you never know. He loves the clay, he loves his serve and his idol is Marat Safin (there is a touch of the maverick about him). Today he faces Stefanos, all 6ft 6ins of him, and his serve. It might not be 2018 all over again but it might just be fun.

Marco Cecchinato after his victory against Novak Djokovic at Roland-Garros 2018
©Julien Crosnier / FFT

Marco Cecchinato celebrates after his 2018 win over Djokovic