The 2019 French Open is reaching the money making rounds of the tournament as three former champions Stan Wawrinka, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal hope to stay alive and win their matches. Japanese #1 Kei Nishikori is also looking to continue his run against home opponent Benoit Paire.
Kei Nishikori vs Benoit Paire
Tracey: Kei Nishikori has some work to do to clean up his errant play. Versus Laslo Djere, the Japanese superstar’s serve faltered allowing the Hungarian to break his serve six times. And 48 winners to 48 unforced errors (net zero) isn’t a stat anyone wants at this stage in a major. But, Nishikori is a superstar for a reason – able to pull out big wins when his back’s up against the wall. Hometown favorite Benoit Paire will have the support of the crowd, though their boisterous enthusiasm won’t even register on the 7th seed’s radar. I expect Paire to grab a set, but Nishikori will grab the match. Nishikori in 4
Yesh: Kei Nishikori won an incredible match over Laslo Djere, and he gets to take on Benoit Paire after that. Paire has looked strong at times this tournament, but he’s also looked very poor at moments. Expect the more consistent player to power through. Nishikori in 4
Roger Federer vs Leonardo Mayer
Tracey: Following the Argentinian’s lengthy battle with France’s beloved Nicolas Mahut, Leonardo Mayer may be feeling the effects. Combine that with another long second round outing against compatriot Diego Schwartzman, and you have to wonder how much is left in the tank. Across the net is Roger Federer, the legend, the GOAT, has been playing – and winning – with remarkable efficiency. Considering the fact that Federer had 52 winners, on clay no less, it safe to say he’s playing with remarkable form. This level after a 1,090 day absence from clay! I think Roger is the safe, straight sets bet. Federer in 3
Yesh: Federer is still cruising through, and improving every match. Leo Mayer has nothing that will really trouble him. Expect another simple win for Federer. Federer in 3
Rafael Nadal vs Juan Ignacio Londero
Tracey: Rafael Nadal can dominate a match with a 60% first serve. Unbelievable! His five aces negated by his five double faults is just another startling stat that makes the man something akin to kryptonite. There are perhaps three, maybe four players who could potentially dethrone the King of Clay. And, Londero certainly isn’t one of them. Nadal in 4
Yesh: This has been the run of a lifetime for Juan Ignacio Londero, who won an incredible tournament in Cordoba earlier this year. What’s his reward for reaching the French Open fourth round? A matchup with Rafael Nadal. It won’t be pretty, but maybe Londero can keep the scoreline respectable. Nadal in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Stan Wawrinka
Tracey: Tsitsipas will certainly be challenged by the power off Wawrinka’s racquet, which is readily apparent off both wings. And, Wawrinka may well be stymied by the shot variety and aggressive net play of the Greek. The Swiss has been here before, and knows he can come through. A tick in the Wawrinka box that the Greek can’t check. Tsitsipas will appear in his first Round of 16 at Roland Garros. But, we’ve seen how the Greek can perform in big moments. Though he may internalize the stress and the excitement, his on-court persona won’t show it. This should prove to be a long, tight, 5-setter to which I give the Greek the slightest edge. Tsitsipas in 5
Steen Kirby: This is a mouthwatering matchup. The experienced Wawrinka remains a threat in Paris but he’s an underdog against the rising star Tsitsipas who has overcome every challenge thrown at him so far. Wawrinka’s experience and shot selection will help him here but the Greek is fitter and has plenty of weapons at his disposal. Expect a changing of the guard with young beating old. Tsitsipas in 4
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