Rafael Nadal eased through the first three rounds at the French Open, but things could get more difficult now that we are into the second week.
They are certainly getting more interesting, as Nadal’s fourth-round matchup is a blockbuster. One, Felix Auger-Aliassime is one of the rising stars in the game and a potential future Grand Slam champion. Two, Auger-Aliassime is coached by Toni Nadal.
Toni probably won’t be around to see it–at least not in person–but Sunday’s showdown could be a good one. Both players have been in impressive form this fortnight. Nadal did not drop a set during the first week, ousting Jordan Thompson, Corentin Moutet, and Botic van de Zandschulp. Auger-Aliassime has also won nine sets in a row, although he actually lost his first two of the tournament to Juan Pablo Varillas. After overcoming Varillas in five, the world No. 9 defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Filip Krajinovic in straights.
Auger-Aliassime’s reward is a second meeting with the 21-time major winner. They previously faced each other three years ago in Madrid, long before Toni started working with the Canadian. Nadal had no trouble giving his opponent a clay-court lesson, cruising 6-3, 6-3.
Can the 21-year-old make this one more competitive now that he has a lot more experience under his belt? It’s possible. Auger-Aliassime has become extremely consistent at slams, as his three most recent results are quarterfinals (2021 Wimbledon), semifinals (2021 U.S. Open), and quarterfinals (2021 Australian Open).
Of course, the bad news for the underdog is that Nadal is looking like his normal French Open self. The 13-time champ’s preparation was derailed by rib and foot problems, but those concerns have been put to rest–at least for now–by his first three matches. Nadal had no trouble improving to 108-3 lifetime on the terre battue of Paris.
Auger-Aliassime can throw a lot more at Nadal than Thompson, Moutet, and van de Zandschulp, so this could be the Spaniard’s first test of the fortnight. But it’s one he should pass without too much of a scare.
Pick: Nadal in 4
WWW?
Does FAA have a one handed or 2 handed bh? I can’t remember.
I know he has done very well at slams recently but dealing with Rafa’s lefty spin on a clay court is different gravy.
There is only a top temperature of 17 tomorrow unfortunately.
Ok I just remembered he does have a 2 hander…
Tricky match. but if he wins, it will be good for his confidence..
Hope Rafa doles him 1 1 0!!!! 🙄 Anything else would not be pleasing!
Mr Nadal, instead of going to bed to be ready for match tomorrow he’s at Saint Denis watching UEFA!! Well I’m hope it puts him in a good mood for his match tomorrow!!!! So at least there’s that! 🤣😂😂😂
Real Madrid won 1-0 so Rafa should be in a very good mood!
Think he will take inspiration from it. Like Rafa, Real Madrid often looked like it had no chance of even getting to the Final but they scrapped their way there anyway …
Its really Tricky DRAW FOR RAFA. he has hardest challenger than other 3. Hope he finishes 3 worst case 4. if he wins tomorrow, Next match against Djokovic is going to be killer. Save some energy for that. 🙂
It might be Rafa in 4….but more likely Rafa in 3…Vamos!
Definitely!! Let’s hope Rafa gets more inspiration, lol!! What’s going on the men”s matches should have started long ago!!
Meanwhile on behalf of Novak Diego is making light work of himself!! Sigh!! But yet Rafa has the draw of nightmares!!
At least Leyla won her match!! Goodie!!
Yes I like Leyla!
Somewhat pathetic by Diego!
I have been feeling nervous about the FAA match all week remembering how he played against Med at the AO which was the 3rd straight slam he got to the late stages.
However Med on hard is nowhere near the level of Rafa on clay.
I saw footage of Rafa laughing with Moya earlier today and he looked very relaxed. The principle reason I worry about this match is that it is happening in the fourth round.
Anyway, if Rafa hits his fh like he did last match he will be fine.
Wow wow wow that’s just cruise control for Novak!! Almost embarrassing!!! Fight Diego where is ure fight?!! Cmon!!!!
By the way y isn’t there any thread for Novak”s match?
That would be asking a lot.
Bravo Coco!!
Very good for Coco, played a great match!! Happy for her and Leyla!! Good going girls!! Let’s c what Sloane can muster!! 😀
Meanwhile, Rafa looks on point so far! 😀
I was wondering if I should bother watching since we have an astrological prediction that Rafa will lose to Novak in the quarterfinal. Sarcasm intended! 😛
I am nervous about this match.
Forehand DTL winner!
Go for it Rafa!
Nadal came to play today.
Rafa has his game face on.
I’m not that nervous to be honest! I’ll get nervous if Rafa goes down two sets, but for now I’m doing a little bit of cooking while I watch. And that says a lot!! Bcoz normally I can’t do anything!!
Meanwhile Zverev is cruising 🤪
I would think Zverev is cruising against that guy.
Rafa should already have broken! 2 misses he should have taken
Thanks rafa! I knew this would happen when he squandered break points…
Ouch, my foot.