Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem are one match away from a blockbuster semifinal.
But before they get there, they face significant opposition today. Thiem will play the last man to defeat Nadal on clay, while Rafa takes on a most impressive teenager. The women’s draw has opened up considerably, with three of today’s four quarterfinalists unseeded, two of them qualifiers, and none of them previously appearing in a Grand Slam final. And due to rain yesterday, the last women’s fourth round match between Ons Jabeur and Danielle Collins will be first on Court Philippe-Chatrier today.
Dominic Thiem (3) vs. Diego Schwartzman (12)
This should be an entertaining clash, featuring plenty of shot-making from all corners of the court. Thiem is looking to reach his fifth straight semifinal at Roland Garros. This is Schwartzman’s second quarterfinal here in the last three years, and his fourth at a Major, though he’s yet to advance farther. Thiem leads their head-to-head 6-2, and 3-1 on clay. Today marks their first meeting at a Major. Diego’s two wins have not come easily: they ended either 7-5 in the third, or in a third set tiebreak. Coming off his run to the final of Rome, Schwartzman has continued to build momentum. Diego has won seven of his last eight matches, and is yet to drop a set this fortnight. Thiem won his first Major just 23 days ago, and is on an 11-match winning streak. But he needed five sets and three-and-a-half hours to fight off French wild card Hugo Gaston two days ago. Dominic and Diego are good friends, and have even played doubles together in the past. Competing against a friend in such an important match is never easy, and may impact both players. And it would only be natural for Thiem to experience some burnout coming off his emotionally-draining US Open win. So while Thiem remains a favorite, a Schwartzman victory does not feel far-fetched.
Rafael Nadal (2) vs. Jannik Sinner
For the second consecutive round, Nadal faces a player who is undefeated at Roland Garros. Of course that’s misleading, as 19-year-old Sinner had never previously played this event. And his 4-0 record is nothing compared to Rafa’s 97-2. Nadal is yet to be challenged through four rounds, averaging only two games lost per set. But Sinner has the ability to push Nadal with his impressive groundstrokes, and he doesn’t seem the type to be overwhelmed by the idea of facing the King of Clay. Rafa is one of the best returners in the world, but Sinner’s returning skills have been impressive. Yannik has been breaking serve 5-7 times per match. Clearly, a Nadal loss would be startling. But Sinner grabbing a set or two is plausible.
Elina Svitolina (3) vs. Nadia Podoroska (Q)
This is Svitolina’s third time in the French Open quarterfinals. The last time she advanced this far, the result was heartbreak. Three years ago, she was up a set and 5-1 against Simona Halep, and even held a match point, yett would eventually lose 6-0 in the third. But last summer, after losing her first four Major quarterfinals, she finally broke through, reaching two semifinals within two months. And this is a great opportunity to reach her third, against a 23-year-old qualifier who had never won a match at a Major before this tournament. While the draw has opened up a bit for Podoroska, she thoroughly earned her spot in this quarterfinal. And this result is not a fluke for the Argentine. She now owns 37 wins this year at all levels (including qualifying), which is astounding in this shortened season. 16 of those wins have come on clay since the tour restart two months ago. Svitolina is certainly the favorite, but the issue here is both players will be fully aware of that. And Elina knows what a huge chance this is for her at a Major, as she’s the top seed remaining. It will be interesting to see how all this plays on Svitolina’s mind.
Iga Swiatek vs. Martina Trevisan (Q)
This has been the breakthrough tournament for both these women. 19-year-old Iga Swiatek has twice before reach the round of 16 at a Major, so this result is not a shock. But it’s the way in which she’s plowed through this field that has put the tennis world on notice. Swiatek has not dropped a set, which applies to doubles as well, where her and Nicole Melichar have reached the quarterfinals. Iga not only ousted last year’s finalist, Marketa Vondrousova, she blitzed top-seeded Simona Halep 6-1, 6-2. And that was after taking just one game from Halep last year in a 45-minute encounter. As Steve Weissman highlighted on Tennis Channel in the US, Swiatek’s average forehand and backhand speed rivals that of the top men at this event. Her opponent today is a hugely surprising quarterfinalist. Adam Addicott has a detailed profile on the 26-year-old Italian here. Her career was derailed for years as she battled anorexia. Prior to this fortnight, she had never won a match at a Slam, and was 1-16 against top 100 players. But the lefthander has taken out Coco Gauff, Maria Sakkari, and Kiki Bertens thus far. These two have split two previous non-tour level meetings, with Trevisan prevailing on clay. But the mix of power and guile Swiatek possesses should enable her to achieve her first Major semifinal.
Other Notable Matches on Day 10:
In the men’s doubles quarterfinals, Defending French Open champion Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies (8) vs. Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski (13).
In the women’s doubles quarterfinals, Two-time Major champions Barbora Krejicikova and Katerina Siniakova (4) vs. Sofia Kenin and Bethanie Mattek-Sands (9). Kenin is still alive in singles as well.
Tuesday’s full schedule is here.
