The second week of the French Open is in full swing, with four intriguing fourth-round matches on day nine. A number of star names will be in action and a place in the quarterfinals is up for grabs. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our roundtable predictions for every match on the slate. Who will reach the final eight in Paris?
French Open Day 9 Men’s Predictions
Casper Ruud vs Taylor Fritz
Jordan: Fritz is a better clay-court player than he used to be, but beating Ruud is a big ask. The Norwegian is in great form at the tournament he loves so much. The American’s serve needs to be firing all the time for him to have a realistic chance. Ruud in 4
Ateet: Casper Ruud managed to navigate a tricky draw in the first week and looks set to play at his best from here. He managed to get three wins under conditions that didn’t suit him. From now on, he will most likely play roof open with the sun, which will improve his forehand’s effectiveness drastically. Taylor Fritz is American No. 1 for a reason, proving his results week in and week out. He was mentally solid to up his game in the final set against Kokkinakis. Ruud is a better clay courter and should be good enough to fend off the challenge from Fritz. Ruud in 4
Shane: “Claylor” Fritz has been phenomenal on the dirt this season, posting a 13-5 record in six events. That said, the damp conditions at the 2024 French Open could cause him some trouble against Casper Ruud. The Norwegian, who was known as a clay-court specialist in the early part of his career, is built to dig from the corners and extend points. This one has a chance to be a four-hour classic. Ruud in 5
Alex de Minaur vs Daniil Medvedev
Jordan: Both players have significantly improved on clay in recent times. This will undoubtedly be a long and physical battle. The few extra free points Medvedev is capable of getting on his serve might be what decides the match. Medvedev in 4
Ateet: Daniil Medvedev will be pleased to win his match against Tomas Machac in 4 sets. Machac is so dangerous off both wings, and he displayed that in full capacity. Medvedev served great and just played some of the big points better. Alex De Minaur was down a break in the third set before the rain came, and after the resumption of the match, he stepped up his level significantly to win in 4 sets. This is the furthest De Minaur has gone at the French Open. This match will be long with many rallies and Medvedev thrives at those. Medvedev in 4
Shane: Despite Daniil Medvedev’s poor relationship with the clay, he actually has been solid on the surface (9-3) this season. Luckily for him, the clay is not Alex de Minaur’s favorite surface, either. I expect Medvedev to park himself five feet behind the baseline and grind his way into the quarterfinals. Medvedev in 4
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Novak Djokovic vs Francisco Cerundolo
Jordan: This match will be a real test of how well Djokovic recovers from matches at 37 years old after his thrilling battle with Lorenzo Musetti. Cerundolo will believe he has a chance if he can dictate and get Djokovic moving with his heavy forehand. Overall, the quality Djokovic possesses still makes him a favourite, but a Cerundolo upset is a possibility. Djokovic in 4
Ateet: Novak Djokovic had to play one of his best matches of the year to see through a peaking Lorenzo Musetti. Djokovic was looking out of sorts till the beginning of the 4th set, but raised his level at the right moment and ran away with it. This win will give him a lot of confidence. Francisco Cerundolo played a fantastic match to dispatch the in-form Tommy Paul. His forehand is a huge asset on clay and will be an important shot against Djokovic. The world No.1 is likely to come a bit exhausted to this match after his late 5-set finish. Fortunately for him, Cerúndolo isn’t a very good server, and he will have lots of chances to break. Djokovic in 3
Shane: Novak Djokovic is not done yet, and anyone who thought he was after falling down two sets to one against Musetti has not been watching the Serb’s career. The three-time French Open champion will surely use that 3 a.m. finish as motivation going forward. Francisco Cerundolo is a superb clay-court player, but Djokovic typically bounces back from tight matches with a blasting of his next opponent. Djokovic in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Holger Rune
Jordan: Both men have already played a match each that went to a deciding set tiebreak. At his best, Zverev’s game is the more deadly in the conditions in Paris. Rune needs to serve well and also use variety to disrupt the German’s rhythm when he can. But Zverev is the favourite to triumph. Zverev in 4
Ateet: Alexander Zverev was on the verge of loss, being down a double break in the deciding set but kept on fighting and prevailed somehow in the end. It was one of the worst performances from Zverev, he was so passive and never looked like winning the match until the tiebreak. He gets Holger Rune, who had a much better third-round match. These two have only met once, surprisingly. I feel the conditions will play a big part in how this match will go. If the weather is better, then I see Zverev as the favorite, but in cold, rainy conditions, Rune has a better chance. Zverev in 5
Shane: I don’t think Alexander Zverev’s French Open success is talked about enough. The 27-year-old German is 29-6 on the Roland Garros dirt since 2018 and has shown the fortitude to dig deep in five-set matches. 21-year-old Holger Rune has also been impressive in Paris, reaching the quarterfinals in his only two main draw appearances. If Zverev can serve well, I like his chances to advance to the last eight. Zverev in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports