The first two quarterfinals are set in the men’s singles at the French Open and both promise plenty of entertaining tennis. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for both matches, as well as Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka. But who will book their spot in the semifinals?
French Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Carlos Alcaraz vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Jim: Carlos Alcaraz looked to be in for a tough test in the fourth round, but instead swept Lorenzo Musetti aside with consumate ease. Stefanos Tsitsipas, who it should not be forgotten made the final here in 2021, should offer more of a challenge, but his record against Alcaraz leaves a lot to be desired. Alcaraz should have too much for the Greek here.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Yesh: Alcaraz is up for his first real test of the tournament, and all indications are that he’s ready to pass it. Don’t be surprised if this is far closer than expected, but the Spaniard should still be favoured.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Damian: This has been such a rough matchup for Tsitsipas. He lost to Alcaraz in a thriller at the US Open two years ago and then never even having a shot at him at all in the next three meetings. It’s not really a stylistic edge, the Spaniard is simply so much more complete and too quick for the Tsitsipas offense to do enough damage. The fifth seed has improved as the event goes on and looks ready to give his best, but he’ll come up short.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Jack: Alcaraz can look vulnerable in slower conditions. Fabian Marozsan showed us in Rome; Jan-Lennard Struff showed us in Madrid; Jannik Sinner showed us last year in Umag. An aggressive return strategy, can put the world #1 on the back-foot from the first ball. Unfortunately, Tsitsipas doesn’t have the returning skills to do it. The last time they played in Barcelona, Tsitsipas was only able to break the Spaniard’s serve once. Though the Greek has been taking care of business against most other players on tour, this match-up has been particularly unkind to him ever since their first meeting in New York.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
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Novak Djokovic vs Karen Khachanov
Jim: It doesn’t really feel like Novak Djokovic has gotten out of a first gear yet in Paris, but he has enough experience of bringing his best tennis when he needs it that it shouldn’t be a problem. Karen Khachanov has beaten Djokovic (and in Paris albeit on the other side of town), with his power enough to threaten the Serb. But he’s only played well in fits-and-starts so far at Roland Garros. Against Djokovic, that won’t be enough.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Yesh: Khachanov has done really well on this run, and he’s peaking at the Slams nowadays, but his game just can’t do anything to hurt Djokovic. Expect the 22-time Major champion to cruise.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Damian: Khachanov beat Djokovic to win the biggest title of his career, but has lost to him every time since. This will be a test for the Serbian as he was only pushed by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina so far at the French Open and wasn’t perfect in that match, prevailing due to another clinical performance under pressure. Khachanov needs to step out of his comfort zone here and he can often struggle to find the right balance between aggression and consistency in such matches, either spraying errors or playing too passively.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Jack: Djokovic still doesn’t look in full flight. He’s also progressed to the quarterfinals this year without dropping a set. Even when Djokovic is at 80%, he tends to make short work of most players on tour at the Slams, making a straight sets win against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina feel like an inevitable ending despite the fact the match was very tight for two sets. Khachanov’s solid tennis should demand an extra gear from the 22-time Slam champion, but there’s a good reason I’ve got him down as my winner’s pick—Djokovic has a habit of finding whatever’s required to get through these important matches in the twilight of his career.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
