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The pair have played just once previously, somewhat understandably given the fledgling state of Coric’s pro career. That came in 2015 at Indian Wells, a match Tomic won in straight sets en route to the quarterfinals, the Australian's first trip to the last eight at an ATP Masters event. And it was on hard court, while this meeting will be on clay …

… and it’s on that point where Tomic gets a black mark. His clay-court form has not been encouraging; prior to winning his first-round match in Paris against Brian Baker, the Aussie was 0-4 during this year’s European clay-court season and is 5-15 in the past three years. Earlier in 2016, however, Tomic did peak at a career-high ranking of No.17, just before reaching the second week at the Australian Open. He also reached the final at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco.

Coric, meanwhile, has somewhat plateaued. After reaching a high of No.33 in the world in mid-2015 and ending that season ranked No.44, he sits at. No.47 six months on with a lukewarm 15-14 record in 2016. The highlight: a recent run to the final in Marrakech. Of note:iIt was on clay.
History at Roland-Garros

Tomic admitted leading into this tournament that he “sucks on clay.” In seven appearances at Roland-Garros, he has won just three matches. Coric, meanwhile, reached the third round – further than Tomic has ever progressed here – 12 months ago in what was his debut appearance at the French Open.

There’s no denying Tomic has weapons, but his arsenal – a booming serve and flat, penetrating ground-strokes – is better suited to faster, lower-bouncing courts. Movement is a crucial element in clay-court tennis, and this has long been the Aussie’s Achilles’ heel. Coric, meanwhile, is an impressively athletic and nimble competitor, and possesses the fleet footwork, shape on his shots and gritty game necessary for success on the dirt. While Tomic may be having the better year, the surface plays into the young Croatian’s hands.