As with the women’s, we’re down to the final four.
21-time Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal shocked Novak Djokovic on Tuesday night to continue his pursuit of an unprecedented 14th French Open title.
And potentially a record extending 22nd Grand Slam title.
With injuries hampering his preparation going into the tournament, his levels of play have been other worldly.
But standing in his way is no other than the often-controversial Alexander Zverev.
The German has hit the headlines for the wrong reasons of late, including controversy in his private life, an angry outburst with an umpire and beef with ATP tournament organisers over scheduling.
But on the court, he upset the tournament favourite Carlos Alcaraz in four sets.
So, it promises to be a tough match for the Spaniard.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s Casper Rudd has made his first ever Grand Slam semi-final, and continues to make waves on the tour.
But 33-year-old Marin Čilić is playing like the Čilić of old that saw him reach the heavy highs of world number three.
The former US Open champion has now made it to the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams.
This makes him only the fifth active player to do so after Nadal, Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
An unbelievable feat.
But turning our attentions back to the semi-finals,our writers James Spencer and Tony Fairbairn have cast their predictions.
Rafa Nadal (5) vs Alexander Zverev (3)
Tony Fairbairn:
“Zverev will be confident having beaten Alcaraz in the last round.
But this match against Nadal does not suit him at all and the Spaniard’s vicious spin and power should prove too much for the German to handle.”
Prediction: “Nadal in four sets.”
James Spencer:
“Nadal was mightily impressive the other night to down Djokovic in some style.
His shots were on another level.
Everything was hitting the lines and going in.
If he plays like that against Zverev, he will blow him off the court too.
The main worry is the toe injury.
After all, the Spaniard has conceded it could be his last French Open.
Like Federer, he is ever philosophical and although he might firmly believe it, surely, he loves the crowd and lives for these big occasions.
It pumps him up and he thrives on it.
Zverev will no doubt have something to say about the destiny of this year’s championships but can he stop Nadal’s date with history?
I don’t think so.”
Prediction: “Nadal in four sets.”
Casper Rudd (8) vs Marin Čilić (20)
Tony Fairbairn:
“The Norwegian knows when to play his best tennis and has come through some tough tests.
However, Čilić is playing inspired tennis in Paris so far and this match is on the Croatian’s racket.
It will be an entertaining match that Čilić will just about edge.”
Prediction: “Čilić in five sets.”
James Spencer:
“I’m still in shock to see Čilić back in a Grand Slam semi-final, when it appeared his best days were behind him.
He has gone from strength to strength this tournament.
I’ve been really impressed with him and it looks like he’s really enjoying his tennis and being out there on the court again.
And good for him.
Rudd is obviously the younger opponent at 23, but will the occasion startle him?
That’s the advantage Čilić has, having been in three Grand Slam finals, he’s used to the big occasions.
And for that reason, I think it will push him over the line”
Prediction: “Čilić in 4 tight sets.”
