Matteo Arnaldi is an accomplished clay-court player, but Jordan backs Tiafoe’s superior shotmaking to carry him through.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4Tope:Both Frances Tiafoe and Matteo Arnaldi arrive battle-tested after grueling wins, setting up what feels like a true coin-flip matchup.
Juan Manuel Cerundolo enters full of momentum, though Jordan believes Berrettini’s power will eventually overwhelm him.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4Tope:Both Matteo Berrettini and Juan Manuel Cerundolo survived marathon encounters to reach this stage, but the physical toll may be greater on the Argentine.
Ateet believes Juan Manuel Cerundolo has enough left in the tank to pull off another surprise.
The second week of Roland Garros continues with several intriguing men’s fourth-round battles as unexpected contenders chase French Open quarterfinal spots alongside established names. Our writers break down the key matchups and make their predictions for Day 9.
French Open Day 9 Predictions
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Alejandro Tabilo
Jordan:
Felix Auger-Aliassime is least comfortable on clay compared to the other surfaces, but surprise results elsewhere in the draw have given him an opportunity to make a deep run in Paris. Alejandro Tabilo’s clay-court game and defensive skills make him a dangerous opponent, and Jordan expects the Chilean to outlast the Canadian in a long battle.
Prediction: Tabilo in 5
Tope:
Felix Auger-Aliassime enters this match as the highest seed remaining in his section, while Alejandro Tabilo is enjoying the best Grand Slam run of his career. The Chilean’s comfort on clay and fresher legs make him a compelling pick to seize the moment and reach a maiden major quarterfinal.
Prediction: Tabilo in 4
Ateet:
Alejandro Tabilo has impressed throughout the tournament, but Felix Auger-Aliassime’s experience and shotmaking still make him a slight favorite. Ateet expects a close match that stretches the distance, with the Canadian finally breaking through at this stage.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 5
Ilemona:
Felix Auger-Aliassime survived a demanding battle in the previous round and enters with more Grand Slam experience than Alejandro Tabilo. His serve and willingness to move forward could ultimately be the difference in another competitive encounter.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4
Frances Tiafoe vs Matteo Arnaldi
Jordan:
Frances Tiafoe’s comeback from two sets down against Jaime Faria felt significant, particularly given his struggles in deciding sets historically. Matteo Arnaldi is an accomplished clay-court player, but Jordan backs Tiafoe’s superior shotmaking to carry him through.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Tope:
Both Frances Tiafoe and Matteo Arnaldi arrive battle-tested after grueling wins, setting up what feels like a true coin-flip matchup. Tope leans toward the Italian, trusting Arnaldi’s grit and clay-court comfort to prove decisive.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 5
Ateet:
Frances Tiafoe produced an impressive comeback in the previous round, but Matteo Arnaldi’s steady improvement and suitability to clay make him a dangerous obstacle. Ateet expects the Italian to capitalize on a major opportunity.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 5
Ilemona:
Frances Tiafoe’s accumulated court time after consecutive long matches may become a serious issue here. Matteo Arnaldi’s fresher legs and reliable clay-court pedigree could give him the edge.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 4
Matteo Berrettini vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo
Jordan:
Injuries kept Matteo Berrettini away from Roland Garros for years, but his clay pedigree remains strong, with most of his titles coming on the surface. Juan Manuel Cerundolo enters full of momentum, though Jordan believes Berrettini’s power will eventually overwhelm him.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Tope:
Both Matteo Berrettini and Juan Manuel Cerundolo survived marathon encounters to reach this stage, but the physical toll may be greater on the Argentine. Berrettini’s serve and forehand combination could prove too much if recovery favors the Italian.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4
Ateet:
The deciding factor may simply be who has more left physically after exhausting previous rounds. Ateet believes Juan Manuel Cerundolo has enough left in the tank to pull off another surprise.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 5
Ilemona:
Juan Manuel Cerundolo’s movement and topspin make him a natural clay-court threat, but Matteo Berrettini’s heavier weapons should still be enough if he has recovered from his five-set marathon.
Prediction: Berrettini in 5
Flavio Cobolli vs Zachary Svajda
Jordan:
Zachary Svajda has already exceeded expectations in Paris, highlighted by an upset over Francisco Cerundolo. Although Flavio Cobolli’s game resembles Cerundolo’s stylistically, Jordan expects the Italian to execute at a higher level.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Tope:
Zachary Svajda has stormed into the second week despite limited clay-court success previously, but Flavio Cobolli has quietly looked among the sharpest players in the draw. The Italian’s cleaner game and clay-court experience should shine through.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
Ateet:
Flavio Cobolli has separated himself from the field by not dropping a set and appears to be finding elite rhythm in Paris. Zachary Svajda’s breakthrough run has been impressive, but Ateet expects the Italian to maintain control.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Ilemona:
Flavio Cobolli enters fresher and in excellent form after an efficient path through the draw, while Zachary Svajda endured a draining previous round. The freshness gap should matter significantly.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
