Monday in Paris means that we are finishing up the fourth round at the French Open. There are four spots remaining in the quarterfinals, and we are here to offer our thoughts as to who will reach them. Predicting today is writers Brett Margolies and Manuel Traquete, along with editors Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg.
Diego Schwartzman vs. Kevin Anderson
Brett: Diego Schwartzman has reached the round of 16 without dropping a set so far including a straight-set win over Borna Coric in his last match. Kevin Anderson has 2-0 record H2H against the Argentinian, but I think Schwartzman will be able to take him out of his comfort zone and extend points which won’t go well for Anderson. Schwartzman in 4
Steen: This is a good showing from both players. Schwartzman is in better form but I like Anderson’s experience here, look for his serve to be just enough to get him over the line. Anderson in 5
Yesh: Anderson is always tough to pick because of his huge serve, but give me Schwartzman on clay. The Argentine has very quietly been very dominant this tournament. Schwartzman in 4
Manuel: Anderson is the better overall player, but on a claycourt Schwartzman is clearly more comfortable and has an excellent chance to make the quarterfinals despite his weak serve and diminutive stature. Schwartzman in 4
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Rafael Nadal vs. Max Marterer
Brett: Not only is Rafael Nadal by far the best on clay, but he also has the best draw en route to the final. Marterer will be able to play free as he’ll have nothing to lose, but I’d be surprised if this is anything but a Nadal straight-set win. Nadal in 3
Steen: Marterer is having a career year, his future is bright, and this is a great run for him. All of that said, anything over than Nadal blowing past yet another opponent this French Open would be a surprise. Nadal in 3
Yesh: Nadal has been solid so far this tournament, and was gifted a matchup against Maximilian Marterer. Don’t underestimate the German here. He hits the ball hard and cleanly, and can try to copy what Simone Bolelli did in the opening round. Nadal will win this match, but it might be closer than expected. Nadal in 3
Manuel: With all due respect to Marterer, if he even takes a set in this match it will go down as the biggest upset of the tournament. The gulf in class is too enormous to even consider an upset here. Nadal in 3
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John Isner vs. Juan Martin Del Potro
Brett: The last time these two played, Isner played what was probably his best match of the year in his semifinal win in Miami. If Isner can return like that, I don’t think he’ll have much of a problem with Del Potro. I expect a few tiebreakers, but Isner to get through. Isner in 4
Steen: Isner isn’t as bad on clay as you’d expect, but Del Potro has always been the better player and just has that extra something, particularly given his form is better on clay than it was at the start of the tournament. Look for Del Potro to power past Isner. Del Potro in 4
Yesh: Isner has actually historically fared pretty well against del Potro, but it’s hard to pick the American based on this tournament so far. Isner just isn’t returning serve well enough. Anything can happen if he can force a few tiebreaks, but the advantage sits with the Argentine here. Del Potro in 4
Manuel: Isner has won the last two matches between these two, in Paris Bercy and Miami (where he then went on to claim the title), but the circumstances are very different this time around. A best-of-5 match on slow clay clearly favors the Argentine. Del Potro in 4
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Marin Cilic vs. Fabio Fognini
Brett: Fabio Fognini fought hard to defeat Kyle Edmund in five sets. Cilic hasn’t been in any trouble yet this tournament and seems to be doing what he usually does in beating the players he should beat. This one will be close, but I’d give the edge to the Italian who is more comfortable on clay. Fognini in 5
Steen: This match should be close. Fognini coming off a 5 setter may do him in though. Cilic has been playing clean, efficient tennis and looks really strong right now, even against Fognini’s best clay game. Cilic in 4
Yesh: Cilic looks so good this tournament, but you never know what you’re going to get with Fognini. The Italian looks more focused than I’ve ever seen him, which bodes poorly for his opponents. Expect this to be a long, tight match. Fognini in 5
Manuel: A very close match on paper, Cilic is the superior player overall by a large margin, but clay is his worst surface while it is Fognini’s best. This has all the makings of a 5-setter. Cilic in 5
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