Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round of Roland Garros, Paris 2018
Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round of Roland Garros, Paris 2018 | ( CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images)

Tennis | Roland Garros 2021 | Three to see on Day 8

  • Stefanos Tsitsipas [5] v Pablo Carreno Busta [12]
  • Victoria Azarenka [15] v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova [31]
  • Alexander Zverev [6] v Kei Nishikori
PARIS, FRANCE – The second week of Roland Garros is upon us with a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

 

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Stefanos Tsitsipas [5] v Pablo Carreno Busta [12] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Stefanos Tsitsipas [5] v Pablo Carreno Busta [12]

H2H: Tsitsipas leads 2-0

Roland Garros

Paris, France

Clay (O)

Prize Money: €170,000

2nd  match on Philippe-Chatrier (Not before 13:00 BST)

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Stefanos Tsitsipas survived a big tennis scare a couple of nights ago as he ground his way past big-serving John Isner in night time conditions. This was yet another example of Tsitsipas’ form and confidence as he looks to reach his first grand slam final. Now he is three wins away from doing that, can the Greek take his form into week two?

Tsitsipas’ first obstacle in week two will be Pablo Carreno Busta with the consistent Spaniard beating Steve Johnson in the last round. Since reaching the Barcelona semi-finals, the world number 12 has only won back-to-back matches at one clay court event with that event being Roland Garros.

It will be a tough task for Carreno Busta with his grinding style unlikely to trouble Tsitsipas but when the Spaniard’s serve is on full-flow and is able to dictate points then he can cause the Greek player some problems. However Tsitsipas will like conditions and is firm favourite to reach the last eight.

Prediction: Tsitsipas in four sets.

 

Victoria Azarenka [15] v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova [31]  H2H & Match Fundamentals

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Victoria Azarenka [15] v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova [31]

H2H: Azarenka leads 5-1

Roland Garros

Paris, France

Clay (O)

Prize Money: €170,000

1st match on Philippe-Chatrier (10:00 BST)

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In full-fitness and playing wonderful counter-attacking tennis, Victoria Azarenka has put herself in a strong position to reach the latter stages of the tournament. A statement victory over Madison Keys proved that the Belarusian will be hard to stop as her all-round game continues to thrive in Paris.

In the next round, Azarenka will play another player who’s all-round game is equally as impressive and that’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The Russian knocked out third seed and another Belarusian in Aryna Sabalenka last time and is displaying the type of confidence, that proves she is any match for anyone in the draw.

Pavlyuchenkova will look to serve well and introduce her all-round power game mixed with big defensive qualities. But Azarenka’s redirection of any ball right now seems at another level and all though this is expected to be a tougher challenge, Azarenka’s head-to-head suggests that this match-up is one she will like.

Prediction: Azarenka in three sets.  

 

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Alexander Zverev [6] v Kei Nishikori  H2H & Match Fundamentals

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Alexander Zverev [6] v Kei Nishikori  

H2H: Zverev leads 4-1

Roland Garros

Paris, France

Clay (O)

Prize Money: €170,000

4th on Philippe Chatrier (20:00 BST)

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After his complicated first round match, Alexander Zverev has won his following two matches in straight sets and seems to be getting momentum on his side ahead of the second week. Yet to be fully tested, Zverev will be keen to have another tough match before the quarter-finals as he looks to take advantage of a depleted bottom half of the draw.

Kei Nishikori stands in his way, who after having two five set matches in his opening two rounds had a much needed rest after benefiting from an opponent retiring. The Japanese star looks super slick on clay but will need to overcome psychological losses to Zverev in Madrid and Rome to win this match.

In hot Parisian conditions in a best of five set match, Zverev is the favourite here but it’s fully expected that this match will go the distance given their grand slam history.

Prediction: Zverev in five sets.  

 

 

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