The French Open quarterfinals feature title favorites Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Stan Wawrinka. World #1 Andy Murray is still alive, while the likes of Asian #1 Kei Nishikori, former slam champion Marin Cilic, rising star Dominic Thiem, and breakthrough Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta will vie for upsets.
(1)Andy Murray vs. (8)Kei Nishikori
Murray is 9-2 against Nishikori and having won six straight sets of tennis, he seems to be rounding into form at the right time. Nishikori has battled well to make it to the quarters, but he hasn’t had the most difficult draw, and Murray is as good of a mover as he is. The player who serves better will win, and I give Murray an edge. Murray in 4
(3)Stan Wawrinka vs. (7)Marin Cilic
Wawrinka has won his last seven matches against Cilic and hasn’t dropped a set this tournament. Although Cilic is playing extremely well in his own right, Wawrinka should be able to move him around the court and continue to do damage on the backhand side. Wawrinka has been consistent in slams, and he still has a shot at taking this title. Wawrinka in 4
(4)Rafael Nadal vs. (20)Pablo Carreno Busta
Nadal is 3-0 against the breakthrough Spaniard Carreno Busta. PCB is a great clay courter, but Nadal is the best of all time and although I commend PCB’s battling and respect his career best form, Nadal will continue his run of not dropping a set in Paris. Nadal in 3
(2)Novak Djokovic vs. (6)Dominic Thiem
Djokovic is 5-0 in the h2h against Thiem, and has dropped a set in just one of his four matches this week. Thiem is in career best form though, having not dropped a set through four matches. Djokovic is the toughest opponent that he’s faced by a significant margin, and this quarterfinal is a huge step up for the budding superstar. If Thiem wins, this could be his monumental breakthrough, but Djokovic, under the guidance of a new coach looks to have a renewed focus, and he’s the sensible choice in this one, although I have him battling. Djokovic in 5
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