Novak Djokovic in the final of the 202 Australian Open, Melbourne | (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)

Tennis | Roland Garros 2021 | Three to see on Day 9

June 6, 2021

Novak Djokovic [1] v Lorenzo Musetti
Sofia Kenin [4] v Maria Sakkari [17]
Rafael Nadal [3] v Jannik Sinner [18]

PARIS, FRANCE – Two of the greatest players of all time face young Italian rising starts while a titanic women’s match takes place on Suzanne-Lenglen.

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Novak Djokovic [1] v Lorenzo Musetti H2H & Match Fundamentals

Novak Djokovic [1] v Lorenzo Musetti	H2H: First meeting
Roland Garros	Paris, France
Clay (O)	Prize Money: €170,000
2^nd on Philippe-Chatrier (12:30 BST)	Eurosport Player via Amazon Prime (Sign up for 30 day free trial of Prime Video and a 7-day free trial of Eurosport Player)

Novak Djokovic has cruised through the opening week breaking minimum sweat with the Serb on a semi-final crash course with Rafael Nadal. History suggests that Djokovic will reach the last four with no problems but two Italians are now looking to change the course of history.

One of those Italians is 19 year-old Lorenzo Musetti who has already beaten Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Dimitrov, Diego Schwartzman and Felix Auger-Aliassime in his young career. Musetti’s power mixed with great athleticism has seen him as one of the players to watch in the future especially on clay.

In terms of style it will be about how often the Italian can break through Djokovic’s defensive skills and redirection of shots. The 19 year-old will need to show incredible consistency and attacking threat if he wants to have any chance of pulling off the upset. Djokovic should come through here but could lose a set.

Prediction: Djokovic in four sets.

Sofia Kenin [4] v Maria Sakkari [17] H2H & Match Fundamentals

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Sofia Kenin [4] v Maria Sakkari [17]	H2H: Kenin leads 2-1
Roland Garros	Paris, France
Clay (O)	Prize Money: €170,000
3^rd on Suzanne-Lenglen (14:00 BST)	Eurosport Player via Amazon Prime (Sign up for 30 day free trial of Prime Video and a 7-day free trial of Eurosport Player)

After a poor start to the 2021 season which has been dominated by injuries and coaching changes, Sofia Kenin has finally found her range at the place where she reached the final last season. The American has overcome tough obstacles such as Jelena Ostapenko and Jessica Pegula and now stands three wins away from matching her accomplishment in October.

As for Maria Sakkari she reached the last 16 in Paris for the first time in her career with a marathon three hour win over Elise Mertens. The Greek is one of the most improved players on tour and has proven that she belongs at this level with some of the best players in the world. Can she finally put it together when it matters most?

Kenin’s mix of defensive and attacking play will be put to the test against the accurate serving and power play of Sakkari. The American can make the best players in the world look ordinary with her mix of variety but looking at Sakkari her game is too consistent to be overwhelmed by the tactical nuance of Kenin. One thing is guaranteed in this match and that is it won’t end quickly.

Prediction: Sakkari in three sets.

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Rafael Nadal [3] v Jannik Sinner [18] H2H & Match Fundamentals

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Rafael Nadal [3] v Jannik Sinner [18]	H2H: Nadal leads 2-0
Roland Garros	Paris, France
Clay (O)	Prize Money: €170,000
3^rd on Philippe Chatrier (Not before 15:00 BST)	Eurosport Player via Amazon Prime (Sign up for 30 day free trial of Prime Video and a 7-day free trial of Eurosport Player)

After overcoming a stern test against Cameron Norrie, Rafael Nadal is playing his way into form and now heading into the second week enters as the red-hot favourite. However a tough draw awaits with some familiar foes standing in the way of a 14^th Roland Garros title.

One of those familiar foes is big-hitting Italian Jannik Sinner who is making a name for himself as one of the most consistent players on the tour. The Italian youngster is more than capable of out-hitting the 21-time grand slam champion as seen in Rome and Roland Garros last year, but can he finally win a set?

Sinner has impressed in his previous two meetings but to win three sets will take a mammoth task and that is something that he is not capable of doing just yet.

Prediction: Nadal in straight sets.