2024 French Open: Quarter-finals Preview

The 2024 French Open reaches the Quarter-finals stage as top tennis players battle for the second Grand Slam of the year. World no 1 Iga Swiatek is on the quest to etch herself into history books by becoming the second woman in 17 years to win the title three times in a row. Meanwhile, Ons Jabeur continues to carry the African flag high as she is looking to claim her first maiden Grand Slam trophy. Here are some interesting last 8 matches to look out for.

Iga Swiatek vs Marketa Vondrousova

After nearly crashing out of the tournament in the second round against Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek displayed quality tennis afterward. In the fourth-round clash against Anastasia Potapova, Swiatek needed 40 minutes to get rid of the opponent to indicate the classic form. It was the shortest match of her career. The World No. 1 Polish international is looking to add third consecutive French Open and fourth of her career. Standing in her way is Marketa Vondrousova, who has come out to live in the tournament since it started.

Both players meet in red-hot form as they both dropped the one set throughout their en route to the Quarter-finals. But Vondrousova knows that she has to be at her absolute best if she wants to go past Swiatek who is on 17 games unbeaten run. Plus, Swiatek leads the head-to-head 3-0 against the opponent. But Vondrousova is the player of surprises as she did the unthinkable by claiming Wimbledon last year and has reached the Roland Garros final before which came 5 years ago.

Prediction: Swiatek to win in straight set

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz will be looking to book a second consecutive semi-final spot having defeated in that stage by eventual winner Novak Djokovic last year. The young Spaniard has not been at his best this season but the French Open seems to be providing a new turn as he has been playing superbly in the tournament. Meeting up with Stefanos Tsitsipas, the man he had dominated in the previous five clashes as he won all of them.

Both players met in the same stage last year with Alcaraz prevailing on top. So, the match will be more of a revenge. The 23-year-old Tsitsipas has come close in the past in scooping the French title losing in the final to Novak Djokovic three years ago despite leading two sets up. Those scars still live with the Greeks and would be willing to put them behind by going all the way. He was also one of the most dangerous players on clay court as most of his career wins came from there.

Prediction: Tsitsipas to win in five sets

Ons Jabeur vs Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff has not found any problems dispatching all her four opponents in straight sets so far. The 20-year-old has made history by becoming the youngest player after Martina Hingis to reach four consecutive French Open Quarter-finals. Now preparing to go further in the tournament and reach the semi-finals for the second time in her career, Gauff will have to face familiar opponent Ons Jabeur. In the head-to-head, Gauff leads 4-2 against the Tunisian. The last time they faced in a similar tournament was back in 2021 round of 16 with Gauff winning on a straight set.

Meanwhile, Jabeur’s dream to snatch a major title continues as she has come close twice in her career. Far from throwing a towel, the leading African tennis lady will look back in 2022 where she managed to reach the final. So, in her mind, the match provides an excellent gap to edge closer to her dream. Her form this year is far from impressive as she is yet to reach either final of any tournament she participated in. Those are worrying figures especially as she is preparing to face Gauff who is in perfect form.

Prediction: Gauff to win in three sets

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