On less rest than usual, Gael Monfils will look to upset Stan Wawrinka in the men’s round of 16 on Monday at Roland Garros, while Kei Nishikori, Marin Cilic, and Andy Murray look to have the inside track to making the men’s quarterfinals. Their unseeded opposition will need to conjure up their best performances to notch upset wins.
(1)Andy Murray vs. Karen Khachanov
After dominating Juan Martin Del Potro towards the end of their third round match, Andy Murray will begin the second week of the tournament against surprise contender Karen Khachanov, a young Russian who upset John Isner and Tomas Berdych to reach the fourth round. Khachanov has weapons and he’s won five out of his last six matches, but unless Murray’s serve abandons him, the world #1 should continue his journey in Paris. Murray in 4
(8)Kei Nishikori vs. Fernando Verdasco
Nishikori has won the last three meetings against Verdasco, making him a clear favorite in this one, despite Verdasco’s fantastic run that most recently resulted in a straight set win over Pablo Cuevas. Nishikori was forced into five sets against Hyeon Chung, and has dropped three sets in three matches, but he’s still the younger, fresher player. Presuming he can hold his mettle on serve, he should find a way to win this, most likely taking advantage of a Verdasco mental collapse late. Nishikori in 5
(3)Stan Wawrinka vs. (15)Gael Monfils
These tour veterans have not played since 2011, and Wawrinka leads the h2h 3-2. The Former FO champion won his seventh straight match a couple of days ago, when he eased past Fabio Fognini, and the Swiss veteran hasn’t lost a set in Paris through three matches. Monfils got a retirement against Richard Gasquet to progress, and didn’t drop a set in his first and second round win. Despite struggling with form heading into Paris, Monfils has enjoyed the moment and used the crowed to help propel his tennis. Wawrinka should have too many weapons though, and with Stan’s backhand clicking, Monfils is running into a buzzsaw. Wawrinka in 4
(7)Marin Cilic vs. Kevin Anderson
Cilic has a 5-1 h2h against Anderson, who surprised most predictors by reaching the second week of the tournament, having found form on clay and ridden his serve and forehand combo to victory, his best win coming against Nick Kyrgios in four sets. The South African also survived Kyle Edmund in five sets. Croatia’s favorite Marin Cilic hasn’t dropped a set in three matches, and looks to be in intimidating form. Cilic should power past Anderson to setup a difficult match with Wawrinka. Cilic in 3
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