Novak Djokovic will be forced to conquer some demons to get one step closer to his 18th Major in Paris.
He’ll face the only man to gain a victory over him this year. It was the play of Pablo Carreno Busta that flustered Djokovic to the breaking point in New York. The other men’s quarterfinal is a rematch of the dramatic Hamburg final from 10 days ago, when Andrey Rublev came back from 5-3 down in the third to take the title. On the women’s side, Major champions Petra Kvitova and Sofia Kenin are the favorites on paper today against unseeded quarterfinalists. But in a women’s draw where the unexpected continues to prevail, are more surprises in store today?
Novak Djokovic (1) vs. Pablo Carreno Busta (17)
The world No.1 is 35-1 on the year, with that one loss his default to Carreno Busta last month at the US Open when Djokovic struck a ball in frustration that hit a lines judge. Pablo’s abilities have unfortunately been downplayed since that incident, but he’s an excellent player. The 29-year-old Spaniard is now a two-time Major semifinalist, and he was a quarterfinalist here three years ago. He’s advanced to this stage dropping only one set, which was to Roberto Bautista Agut, another Spaniard who is usually a tough out. Carreno Busta will likely supply strong resistance today, and will be eager to prove he can hang with Djokovic after his controversial win in New York. But Djokovic will be even more motivated by his desire to avenge that loss. And their other three encounters have all gone to Novak. Djokovic has been in tremendous form this fortnight, not dropping a set. It would be shocking if Novak fails to reach his 10th Roland Garros semifinal.
Stefanos Tsitsipas (5) vs. Andrey Rublev (13)
While Rublev is the less-accomplished player at big events, he’s owned the rivalry between these 22-year-olds. The Russian is 3-0 against the Greek, though all their matches have been tight. This is now Rublev’s third Major quarterfinal, yet he’s yet to advance farther. But he’s achieved plenty of success at smaller events, especially this year. In 2020, he’s earned three titles, and a total of 29 match wins. Tsitsipas has also reached three finals this season, but is 1-2 in those championship matches. That includes the Hamburg final these two contested the same day this tournament began. Tsitsipas has more big match experience than Rublev. He achieved a Major semifinal last year in Melbourne, and won the ATP Finals last November. Both of these men dropped the first two sets of their opening rounds here coming just 48 hours after their Hamburg clash, but have stormed through the draw since their respective comebacks. Despite their history, Tsistipas’ experience in big matches like this may prove the difference today. And surely Stefanos wants to overcome some recent heartbreak, including his Hamburg loss to Rublev.
Sofia Kenin (4) vs. Danielle Collins
These Americans have played three times, with two meetings at lower-level tournaments. Each time, Collins has prevailed, and has never lost a set to this year’s Australian Open champion. Their most recent encounter was right before Kenin’s triumph in Melbourne, when Collins took out Kenin in Adelaide. And while Kenin is the more accomplished player at this level, this isn’t new territory for Collins. The 26-year-old reached the semifinals in Melbourne last January. Kenin will have the advantage of a day’s rest, while Collins was forced to fight her way through a tough, three-set battle with Ons Jabeur just 24 hours ago. That match certainly took a lot out of Danielle, but it also showcased her grit. Kenin has similarly fought her way through tight contests this fortnight, but she’s yet to consistently find her best tennis since the tour restart. Neither woman would call clay their best surface, yet Kenin’s more versatile game would seem better suited for this surface. However, we’ve seen some big hitters thrive in the slower conditions of autumn in Paris. And in a women’s draw where upsets have been abundant, a Collins victory may just be the most likely outcome.
Petra Kvitova (7) vs. Laura Siegemund
Kvitova is into her 13th Major quarterfinal, and her first in Paris since her only other appearance in 2012. The two-time Wimbledon champion is enjoying the cooler conditions, and is yet to drop a set. Siegemund won her first Major doubles title last month, yet in singles has never previously even reached the fourth round of a Slam. But the 32-year-old German can play on the clay. Her three career singles finals (with two titles) have all come on this surface. Siegemund will look to utilize her skills from the doubles court to counteract Kvitova’s power. Petra and Laura’s only previous meeting was at the 2015 US Open, with Kvitova easily prevailing 6-1, 6-1. As we go deeper into this unpredictable women’s tournament, it seems experience has to eventually matter. And that is advantage, Kvitova.
Other Notable Matches on Day 11:
In the women’s doubles quarterfinals, Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara (7), who have won three titles in the past year,vs. Alexa Guarachi and Desirae Krawczyk (14), who were champions in Istanbul last month.
Asia Muhammad and Jessica Pegula, in their first event as a team, vs. Nicole Melichar and Iga Swiatek, the 19-year-old who will also play in tomorrow’s singles semifinals.
Wednesday’s full schedule is here.
