We will be treated to two men’s quarterfinal matches at the French Open on Tuesday. It has been a chaotic tournament, and we are already guaranteed a new Grand Slam champion. All of the quarterfinalists playing Tuesday are deserving players, but no one saw this lineup coming. As always, our writers share their thoughts on both matches. Predicting these matches are Amanda Bergman, Cizu Harbor, Harsh Bhoot, Jordan Reynolds, and Tope. Who do you think will win?
French Open Day 10 Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Rafael Jodar
Amanda:
While Rafael Jodar’s breakout run this clay season has been impressive, it’s not quite enough to indicate he can pull off such a large upset. On paper, Alexander Zverev has been the favorite to win this tournament since the second round and has looked dominant, only dropping one set en route to the quarterfinals. Jodar has looked solid all tournament long, but he’s had missteps in the matches he’s played that he likely can’t recover from against Zverev.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Cizu:
Jodar was expected to have a good Roland Garros outing coming into the tournament, and he’s done just that. He’s battled bravely to get here, including emerging victorious from two five-set battles in his last couple of matches. His reward is a quarterfinal match against what is now the favourite for this tournament, Alexander Zverev. The German has been handed a great opportunity to finally win his maiden Grand Slam, after many previous heartbreaks. He has also enjoyed the benefit of mostly straightforward victories thus far.
This means the World No. 3 arrives comparatively fresher and with far more experience to draw on in this stage of the tournament. This match promises some drawn-out points, as is often the case when Zverev plays. The German is one of the fittest players on tour, and based on Jodar’s recent exertions, I envisage him fading away eventually. This feels like one match too much.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Harsh:
So far so good for Zverev. He has dropped just one set and he does not look fazed by the tag of the favorite to win his first Major maybe. It was a clinical performance by the German in the fourth round. He faces Jodar, who has impressed mightily with his debut run here–and a come-from-behind victory in the fourth round was amazing. As well as Jodar has played, Zverev right now looks like a more polished version of the Spaniard especially from the baseline. If Zverev managed to control his nerves, there is no reason why he shouldn’t proceed.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Jordan:
It will be fascinating to observe how Zverev approaches this as the tournament favorite. The 2024 runner-up performs best when he is aggressive, but might be tempted to attempt to contain Jodar’s aggression. Despite the Spaniard’s excellent performances in the opening four rounds, I expect the steadier Zverev to prevail.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Tope:
Rafael Jodar’s dream Roland Garros debut continues to gather momentum, becoming just the sixth man this century to reach the last eight on his debut in Paris. But his biggest test yet now awaits in Alexander Zverev, who has quietly powered into a sixth straight Roland Garros quarterfinal and looks increasingly comfortable in his pursuit of a first major title. Jodar’s returning prowess and fearless shot-making have carried him this far, but the consistency of his level has wavered at times, and that could prove costly against one of the tour’s most reliable big-match performers.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Joao Fonseca vs Jakub Mensik
Amanda:
It’s a first Grand Slam quarterfinal for both Jakub Mensik and Joao Fonseca, with both coming off great wins to get to this point. However, it is Fonseca who has been the better player throughout this tournament, while Mensik has struggled to hold on to leads in his matches. Fonseca can overpower Mensik on the forehand wing and keep up with his backhand well enough, and he should be able to pull through to make the semifinals.
Prediction: Fonseca in 4
Cizu:
A clash of the young titans, featuring some of the NextGen leaders. This promises to be a very tasty match, as both players have enjoyed impressive wins against strong opposition. Fonseca has probably had the most impressive wins, defeating players with genuine clay-court pedigree. He has also generally looked steadier across his matches once in full flow. Mensik probably poses a greater threat on serve, and if he can remain consistent in that department, his chances go up markedly.
That said, purely based on what Fonseca has delivered all tournament long and the high he must be feeling right now, it feels like this match is his to lose.
Prediction: Fonseca in 4
Harsh:
A fantastic match on the cards. Both under 21 and both supreme talents especially when it comes to attacking tennis. This match should be a cracker–provided Mensik recovers after a brutal five-setter against Rublev. While Mensik is known to serve big, Fonseca has impressed with his serving precision as well in addition to his famous forehand. Expect a titanic battle once again with Fonseca looking like having a little more in the tank and it feels like the Brazilian is controlling his game better than most even when he is red lining it.
Prediction: Fonseca in 5
Jordan:
Mensik’s serve will be massive to his chances. Although he is an impressive ball striker, Fonseca’s clay-court baseline game is superior to his opponent’s. If the Brazilian plays like the previous two rounds, which I think he will, Mensik faces a stiff challenge.
Prediction: Fonseca in 4
Tope:
The future of men’s tennis takes center stage in a blockbuster quarterfinal between two of the sport’s brightest young stars. Fonseca arrives with the louder statement wins, while Mensik has showed immense resilience outlast while leaning on his huge serve and fearless shot-making when it mattered most. Expect another high-intensity battle but on clay, Fonseca’s ability to construct points and absorb pressure could prove decisive.
Prediction: Fonseca in 5
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
