Rafael Nadal has his eye on his first-ever Paris Masters title, but he first has to get past countryman Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarterfinals. Embattled U.S. Open finalist Alexander Zverev will also be in action against Stan Wawrinka.
(1) Rafael Nadal vs. (9) Pablo Carreno Busta
On paper, this isn’t the most exciting matchup on Friday’s docket. Nadal and Carreno Busta have met on six other occasions; not only has Nadal won every single one of them, but the last four featured an entire basketful of bakery products (four 6-1 sets). Carreno Busta has taken one set out of 14 played.
Despite two losses to his countryman in 2020 alone, there is some good news for PCB. First, Nadal isn’t quite as good indoors as he is on outdoor hard courts or clay. Next, Carreno Busta has had an outstanding fall–with a semifinal showing at the U.S. Open and a quarterfinal run at the French Open a couple of weeks ago. He will surely go into Friday’s match with more confidence than usual.
It’s too hard to pick against Nadal against an opponent against whom he matches up so well. But since it’s at an event that Nadal has traditionally struggled at, PCB is likely to have more chances than he usually does.
Cheryl pick: Nadal in 3
Ricky pick: Nadal in 2 losing 8 games or fewer
(12) Stan Wawrinka vs. (4) Alexander Zverev
This match could produce some highly entertaining tennis. Wawrinka put on an impressive display in his third-round match against Andrey Rublev. The Swiss veteran is in good form, and he’s moving well. Zverev is also in good form, with a pair of titles from the two Cologne tournaments.
Of course, Zverev is also under immense pressure due to recent domestic violence allegations made by former girlfriend Olya Sharypova. She has told her story on social media and to a number of journalists; any match Zverev is a part of is bound to have the tennis overshadowed by the accusations.
The German is probably fortunate that there is no crowd in Paris to voice its disapproval. As it is, he and Wawrinka will be playing to an empty stadium–owing to the French lockdown to control a second COVID outbreak. With Zverev distracted and Wawrinka in excellent form, expect the veteran to come out of this one with the win.
Cheryl pick: Wawrinka in 3
Ricky pick: Wawrinka in 3
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