Thirteen-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal will take on the talented Italian teenager Jannik Sinner on Monday for a spot in the French Open quarterfinals. It is a rematch of last year’s quarters.
(3) Rafael Nadal vs. (18) Jannik Sinner
Clay-court king Rafael Nadal will face his sternest test of the fortnight on Monday in the form of Italian youngster Jannik Sinner. The two men have met just twice before, but their matches so far have been fairly high quality and also entertaining. They first met in the COVID edition of the French Open last October and again in Rome a few weeks ago. Nadal won both matches in straight sets, but Sinner made him work for it each time.
The Italian nearly found himself out of Paris in the first round. Pierre-Hugues Herbert had a match point against him, but Sinner fought his way back to win in five. Sinner’s form has been a bit off since he made the final at the Miami Masters, but he is capable of playing fantastic clay-court tennis–as he showed in his run to the semifinals in Barcelona.
Nadal has been slightly off his best as well this week, unable so far to replicate the form he displayed in his run to the final in Rome–where he got yet another win over chief rival Novak Djokovic. Still, Nadal hasn’t dropped a set and he showed his signature grit and determination against Alexei Popyrin in the first round. The Australian served for the third set only to have Nadal come roaring back with a break and then a comfortable tiebreak to close it out in straights.
Sinner has the kind of game and has enough control and concentration to make Nadal uncomfortable. He should play well enough to at least give himself some chances to get in front of Nadal, as he did in Rome a few weeks ago. This one will be entertaining, but since it’s Nadal at Roland Garros there really can’t be another pick than the Spaniard.
Nadal is just better in the big moments of a match, particularly on clay when he can give himself the time and space to work himself into a game.
Cheryl pick: Nadal in 4
Ricky pick: Nadal in 4
Will there ever be another Soderling?
No, bcos no one can beat Rafa like this again. His game has changed remarkably since then. His ROS has improved and so has both wings!
I call BS; that Soderling would beat this Raf 3-0. Rafa was a much better player back then.
Just when I said it Rafa DF’s away a break of serve.
Sinner is throwing everything at Rafa including the kitchen sink, but not today!!
What is it with the dfs?
It affects his entire game
Ffs!
Just farcical from rafa.
Pathetic Rafa..
Y Rafa keeps giving break back like this?!!!! Second set yipes!! Arggggghhhh!!!
As soon as he starts with the dfs he loses concentration.
He should have won this set already.
Every game Rafa has a df he is broken
Now fucking hold.
Doube faults are rafas cardinal sin against sinner
Haha yes!
It’s like a virus…
Thank God!
I am convinced this is a strategy.. let Sinner think he is a winner and then boom
Well its not a good strategy bcos it’s giving me angina!! But at least he won second set.
I may be wrong, but Sinner looks like he’s had enough!
Rafa is up two sets now but the DF’s are very concerning. His serving issues are causing a loss of focus and concentration. He can’t sustain his level of play.
Yes, I’m sure he’ll fix it in next round hopefully. Diego looks like he’s on a serious mission this FO!!
Cool Rafa breaks!! According to script.. this time he may go three breaks up and let him back…
Get it done soon Rafa
Ah! When Rafa is playing so free and with confidence it’s such a beautiful sight to see! This CC/DTLBH combo is a sight to behold!!
Rafa did it in straight sets. So no more worrying about Sinner. I am glad this match wasn’t that tough because he has Schwartzman next.
Aa pathetic as his serves have been today, his groundies have been on point.. that too against the Sinner power..
What’s so odd is that Sinner doesn’t have a great return. He isn’t under stress on second serve.
Sinner stay down..
What are the commies saying now? Still talking about Soldering?
No now he is back to being the 13 time champ
Listen, this third set is a master class!!! Pardon my French, but Rafa seems to be really f%$king feeling it!!!