Before each day of play at the French Open, we'll preview and predict three must-see matches. For full coverage of the season's second Slam, go to our tournament page.
What is there to say, prediction-wise, about a match in which one player leads the head-to-head against his opponent 23-2, and has won the last nine sets they’ve played? These are the grim numbers that Berdych must confront as he heads into this quarterfinal. Over the years, Djokovic has taken Berdych’s baseline power and casually absorbed it. The pliable Serb just does too many things too well for the rigid Czech to handle. Is there any reason for Berdych to hope for a different outcome on Thursday? He does seem to be playing more freely in Paris, after firing his coach, Dani Vallverdu, last week. At Roland Garros, Berdych has dropped two sets in four matches, and he straight-setted David Ferrer on Wednesday. That’s a strong effort on clay; but it’s not like playing Nole.
Winner: Djokovic
How did the tiny, 21-year-old, 60th-ranked Putintseva end up in a Grand Slam quarterfinal? She has yet to face a Top 10 opponent, but her draw hasn’t been a total cakewalk. She beat 28th seed Andrea Petkovic in the first round, and 12th seed Carla Suarez Navarro in the fourth, and she has yet to drop a set. You might think the 5’4” Putintseva couldn't possibly stand up to Serena, but you might think again, at least for a little while. In their two meetings, she has pushed the first set to a tiebreaker before getting blown out in the second. Putintseva is a spirited and typically fearless competitor, but a match against Serena in Chatrier might be enough to overwhelm her. If not, Serena, who has won 18 straight sets, will probably beat her anyway.
Winner: Williams
Technically, there are no points for style in tennis, but don’t tell that to the fans out early in Lenglen for this one. Goffin is one of the smoothest hitters and movers on tour; Djokovic himself called his game, “a tennis that is beautiful for the eye.” The 22-year-old Thiem, meanwhile, has a leaping, youthful athleticism, and the flexibility that only a one-handed backhand allows. The combination should produce top-shelf shot-making, as well as a close match. Goffin is ranked 13th, Thiem 15th, and both have had breakout seasons; it makes sense that these two fast-risers would meet here for a spot in their first Grand Slam semi. But while Thiem has been touted as a future French Open champ, Goffin leads their head to head 5-2. For now, he’s a step ahead; we’ll see if that’s still true after Thursday.
Winner: Goffin