The 2024 French Open finalist Alexander Zverev faces the multi-time French Open champion Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. Alexander Bublik faces long odds but carries the spirit of the underdog against Jannik Sinner in the other men’s quarterfinal taking place on Thursday. Our panelists offer their predictions.
Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Bublik
Jordan Reynolds: Bublik has nothing to lose here, but he plays with that high-risk style in every match. The only player whose game has consistently disrupted Sinner since early 2024 is Carlos Alcaraz. The world No. 1 won’t be phased by Bublik’s unpredictability and knows his own baseline game is too strong not to create chances. Taking a set would be a solid achievement for the Kazakhstani. Prediction: Sinner in 3
Ilemona Onekutu: Sinner has been untouchable for most of this tournament. He’s 3-1 against Bublik and hasn’t dropped a set in Paris. Bublik’s flashy, unpredictable style makes for fun highlights, but Sinner’s clinical baseline game dominates on clay. If Bublik serves lights out, we might see a tiebreak or two, but Sinner wins this 19 times out of 20. Prediction: Sinner in 4
Ateet Shrivastava: Bublik stunned Jack Draper in the fourth round to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, an emotional and brilliant performance. But against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who’s dispatching top players with ease, Bublik’s magical run will likely end. Prediction: Sinner in 4
Damian Kust: Bublik is the perfect counter to Sinner right now. The Italian is so good you can’t even attempt normal baseline tennis against him, and Bublik excels at keeping opponents guessing. His Draper performance applies here, but he must maintain mental intensity and execution. Ultimately, Sinner demands perfection and discipline from challengers. Prediction: Sinner in 4
Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev
Jordan Reynolds: Zverev has never beaten Djokovic in a completed Grand Slam match (the Serbian retired in their Australian Open semifinal earlier this year). Despite not yet winning a major title, Zverev was confident in his pre-match press conference, ranking himself above Djokovic as a favorite. That confidence might be misplaced — Djokovic is the best in tennis history at raising his game when slighted or disrespected. With a favorable draw and strong form in his first four matches, I back the tennis legend to prevail. Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Ilemona Onekutu: Djokovic notched his 100th win at Roland Garros and hasn’t dropped a set this tournament. While Zverev brings power, he trails 5-8 in their head-to-head and struggles to close out big matches against the Serb. The forehand-to-backhand crosscourt battle favors Novak every time. Zverev’s serve might push the pace, but Djokovic’s movement and returning will wear him down. Any tight sets will come when Zverev pushes his limits, but experience usually wins out. Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Ateet Shrivastava: This match is huge for both players given their career stages. Djokovic aims for his 25th Grand Slam and looks the freshest he has since Miami, especially unlike their last clash where he retired early. Zverev is still chasing his first Slam, and Roland Garros may be his best chance. He’s also fresh, benefiting from an early opponent retirement. Both know each other well; it’ll come down to bravery and execution. Djokovic is a master here. Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Damian Kust: Zverev was let off lightly in the last two rounds, first by Cobolli and then by Griekspoor’s injury. Djokovic’s draw has been a cakewalk too. Both should be well-rested for a big fight, unlike at the Australian Open. It’s close enough that it’s subjective, but I personally think Djokovic’s Slam-winning days may be behind him. Prediction: Zverev in 5
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
