The second week of the French Open will begin with both Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic taking the court on Sunday. Alcaraz awaits Lorenzo Musetti, while Djokovic is going up against unseeded Juan Pablo Varillas.
(1) Carlos Alcaraz vs. (17) Lorenzo Musetti
Alcaraz and Musetti will be squaring off for the third time in their careers when they clash in round four of the French Open on Sunday. Musetti surprisingly won their most recent encounter 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-4 last year in Hamburg, but that was in between Wimbledon and the U.S. Open and Alcaraz’s interest level probably wasn’t at its peak. They previously faced each other in the 2020 Trieste Challenger (also on clay), where Alcaraz prevailed 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.
Musetti hasn’t dropped a set at Roland Garros and he upset Novak Djokovic earlier this spring in Monte-Carlo, so he can’t be discounted. But it’s fair to say that the 21-year-old Italian blows hot and cold and when things go south they can go south in a hurry. Eight of his last 10 losses have come in straight sets, including six to opponents ranked 66th or worse–four outside the top 100. In Alcaraz’s two most recent matches against Taro Daniel and Denis Shapovalov, he has won the last five sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4, and 6-2. With projected upcoming matchups against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic in the quarters and semis, respectively, the top-ranked Spaniard will be especially focused and eager to get of the court as quickly as possible.
Pick: Alcaraz in 3
(3) Novak Djokovic vs. Juan Pablo Varillas
It has been a redemption story for Varillas at the 2023 French Open. Last spring at Roland Garros he led his first-round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime two sets to love only to lose in five. Well, the 94th-ranked Peruvian has won all three of his matches at this event in five sets–including comebacks from two sets down in each of the first two against Juncheng Shang and Roberto Bautista Agut. Varillas then upset Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-2 on Friday.
Standing in Varillas’ way of the quarterfinals is none other than Djokovic, who has advanced with victories over Aleksandar Kovacevic, Marton Fucsovics, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The third-ranked Serb was tested at times on all three occasions, but he did not drop a single set. With Djokovic in strong form and Varillas on an unprecedented stage after coming off a trio of five-setters, this should be entirely one-way traffic.
Pick: Djokovic in 3
who ya got?
I’d call that a safe prediction. That doesnt justify how Musetti played so far. I have a feeling we’ll get an upset here. Musetti beat him before i Hamburg.
Musetti in 4
No
As well as Musetti is playing, Alcaraz wins in 4 or 5.
Musetti upset is NOT gonna happen….Charlie in 3; Joker in 3.
Dreaming, but best of luck.
Alcaraz is the better player at this point but I think Musetti has a game more suited for clay, a Musetti is in great form.
I think this will be closer then people think.
Musetti to win a set and Alcaraz in 4 or 5 sets.
Varillas is a danger match for Djokovic. I’ll go Djokovic in 5 and Varillas to win a set.
Hopefully we’ll see a good match but I’m not so sure. Musetti has shown very little in BO5 matches so I’m not getting my hopes up and Lorenzo mental part sometimes is not good. Plus Carlos has already stated he wants revenge from his loss in Hamburg last year. I think Carlos wins in 4
Charlie in 3.
Novak in 3.
Which Semifinal will Djokovic and Alcaraz meet in, 1 or 2? The day or night match? Is that predetermined, based on the draw, or do they make that decision in the fly? I’m trying to get tickets, thanks
It’s not predetermined by the draw. They put the match which is the crowd puller on second. So obviously that will be Alcaraz Djokovic second. Assuming they get there!
I’m having trouble staying awake. Tennis Channel won’t show much of the next two WTA matches. But they will broadcast the full match of Sloane vs. Sabs. Whoever schedules the matches ensures plenty of time between the Tsitsipas match and the Sloane/sabs match.
Djokovic in 4
Alcaraz hits the back of the line again to save break point first game. This guy knows how to pull it out if his bum.
These matches have been so boring thus far!!!!
Something i find most irritating about Carlos, he grunts AFTER striking the damn ball!!! Arrrgggghhhhh!!!
However, i, hoping he wins bcos then it would literally be a cake walk for Novak.
Hi Mona!!!Tiggy said RG is flat without Rafa. Agree 1000%!
Hey, Amy!!! Of course, he’s quite correct…….Rafa always brings a certain ‘je ne sais croix’ to to tour, particularly RG!
I really do miss him! VAMOS!
Hello again Mona dear!
I am optimistic Rafa will come back and win RG!😀
But this RG is very tough for we Rafa fans…
PS Rafa would have been #15 seed ie where Coric is in the zMed/ Sinner quarter..😪
Vamos Rafa always!!!
Though i miss Rafa, I always believe its best taking care of one’s health rather than play and risk further health issues. At least we can look forward to Rafa returning next year, fresh and rejuvenated……then he may be able to create some waves, lol!
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Rafa!! VAMOS!!!
Well said Mona! Looking forward to him coming back fit and healthy and in good spirits..!😀
RG#15 awaits him…😀