Each day of the tournament, we'll preview and predict three must-see matches at the French Open.

Novak Djokovic [2] vs. Dominic Thiem [6]

Thiem has said that he doesn’t like playing Djokovic, and it’s easy to see why from their results. In their five meetings, Djokovic has dropped one set. Two weeks ago, the Serb beat the Austrian 6-1, 6-0 on clay in Rome, and last year in Paris he beat him 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 in the semifinals. Why the disparity? It’s a matchup issue: With his compact strokes, Djokovic robs Thiem of the time he needs to unfurl his elaborate swings. While Djokovic gets into a groove, Thiem is rushed. That won’t always be the case; Thiem is too good not to find a way to make inroads on Djokovic at some point. That point may even come on Tuesday. So far at Roland Garros, Djokovic’s sluggish ways have continued, while Thiem has yet to drop a set. But it’s still too much of a stretch to believe he can go from winning one game in Rome to winning three sets in Paris.

Winner: Djokovic

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Rafael Nadal [4] vs. Pablo Carreno Busta [20]

In the fourth round, I thought Nadal’s countryman, Roberto Bautista Agut, might slow the Rafa train down a little. I was wrong. It’s possible, in another time and place, that Carreño Busta, who is having a fine season, could be the Spaniard to stand up to Nadal. But not here, not now. Rafa is 3-0 in their head to head; for Carreño Busta, winning a set on Tuesday would qualify as an accomplishment.

Winner: Nadal

Simona Halep [3] vs. Elina Svitolina [5]

Judging by the recent form of these two women, this would make for a worthy French Open final, and the winner will likely be the favorite to go all the way. With her title in Madrid and runner-up finish in Rome, the fifth-ranked Halep has been the best on clay this spring. With her titles in Taipei City, Dubai, Istanbul and Rome this season, the 13th-ranked Svitolina may be the most-improved player of 2017. Most relevant for this match, Svitolina's list of victories this season includes one over Halep, at the Foro Italico last month. But I still think Halep has the higher ceiling on any given day, and as far as the wannabe Slam winners who are left in Paris go, she has the best résumé.

Winner: Halep

Holding Serve with Roger Federer will air on Thursday, June 8th at 2 p.m. ET, only on Tennis Channel.

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