We’re at the money stage of the French Open with Novak Djokovic looking to continue his unbeaten streak against Karen Khachanov, and Stefanos Tsitsipas looking to fend off a challenge from Grigor Dimitrov. Our panel of Steen Kirby and Damian Kust offer their predictions.
Marton Fucsovics vs Andrey Rublev
Steen Kirby: Fucsovics beat Rublev in their only match, which happened to be on clay, and he’s played pretty lights out to reach this stage. After winning his third round match in straight sets though it feels like Rublev’s time to even the h2h and get this win. Rublev has been riding a high since winning the Hamburg tournament and fatigue hasn’t been a factor in his play so far. Rublev in 4
Damian: Fucsovics can play excellent ball and is always a tough competitor to hit through. But (almost) nothing seems to be impossible for Andrey Rublev recently. The Russian’s forehand is in crushing form and he has been blowing off opponents off the court with it for the past two weeks. I don’t think Fucsovics can force him to overhit enough to win here, but if it goes the distance, his chances would drastically improve. Rublev in 4
Novak Djokovic vs Karen Khachanov
Steen: Karen Khachanov beat Novak Djokovic once before (Paris Masters 2018), but clay is not his surface and Djokovic looks unbeatable this year. Khachanov has been impressive to reach this stage, but beyond having plenty of self belief, there’s little reason to belief he will seriously compete with Djokovic unless the Serbian superstar comes down with an injury. Djokovic in 3
Damian Kust: Khachanov is into the fourth round in Paris yet again, although besides in his win over Cristian Garin, he hasn’t really played his best tennis. His power can be a bit overwhelming but he’s a quite linear hitter, a style Djokovic excels at playing against and should be able to redirect Khachanov’s force. The Russian beat him at Bercy two years ago but I’m expecting something more similar to the rest of their matches. Djokovic in 3
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Daniel Altmaier
Steen: PCB has dropped just a lone set in three matches and every data you can consider suggests he’s the heavy favorite against Altmaier. The German had almost no ATP experience before he soared onto the scene as a qualifier here at the French Open. He’s now 12-2 in his last 14 matches on clay and hasn’t dropped a set through his three main draw victories to reach this point. Carreno Busta is no doubt the favorite, but I’ll go with the upset, Altmaier’s form can’t be ignored and he’s having a magic run. Altmaier won’t be ready to go home. Altmaier in 4
Damian: It’s been a great run for Daniel Altmaier but will be a much different matchup than the one against Berrettini or Struff. Carreno Busta has been really high on confidence lately and impressed in beating another pretty defensively oriented player Roberto Bautista Agut. His forehand has been a decent weapon and his tennis acumen should shine in the extended rallies. Carreno Busta in 4
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov
Steen: Dimitrov is playing well, but Tsitsipas has the upper hand in this matchup given his equally good, if not superior form at the moment. This is the match of the round for me, Dimitrov is fully capable of winning this match, but he rarely lives up to the hype, and Tsitsipas is the better big match player these days. Tsitsipas in 5
Damian: Dimitrov is flying a bit under the radar here but he’s yet to lose a set. Tsitsipas went five against Jaume Munar but has been looking imperious ever since. They’ll both try to target each other’s backhands and hit most of their shots from the other wing. Tsitsipas’ power should come out on top, but Dimitrov will have his moments with a slightly more consistent game and a better backhand slice to help him reset the rallies. Tsitsipas in 4
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