Roland Garros Day 9 preview: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Grigor Dimitrov

It’s tough to believe, but Monday’s matchup against Stefanos Tsitsipas will mark Grigor Dimitrov’s first ever appearance in the Roland Garros fourth round. The Bulgarian’s game translates to all surfaces, but for the last nine years he has failed to make a dent in Paris.

If you are sorely missing Roger Federer’s presence, this encounter— stylistically speaking— is the next best thing. Both players are in fine form, and should be very fresh, having both won their second round matches in straight sets and receiving a walkover midway through their third round matches. Roberto Carballes Baena withdrew against Dimitrov down 6-1, 6-3, while Aljaz Bedene pulled out against the Greek trailing 6-1, 6-2, 3-1.

Tsitsipas and Dimitrov have never played before, but they share plenty of similarities on the court. Obviously they both own beautiful one-handed backhands, but they also prefer to play aggressively, controlling the points with their formidable serve and forehand combos. Both players are explosive athletes, and have no issues winning points at net. As with any first encounter, there will be a feeling out period in the beginning stages as they poke and prod to determine the best plan of attack.

Getty Images

“I don’t know much about him, to be honest, outside the court,” Dimitrov said. “I’ve clearly watched him play a lot of matches. He’s been having very, very good results, playing good tennis on any surface.”

According to the oddsmakers, Tsitsipas is a substantial (-280) favorite, but Dimitrov has performed well on clay throughout the past few weeks. He has yet to drop a set in his first three matches, and in Rome, he defeated Yoshihito Nishioka 6-1, 6-0 before taking out the ultra-gifted Jannik Sinner in three sets.

With any Dimitrov match, there is an air of unpredictability, as so often his results are determined by which version of himself shows up to the court. At his best he can appear unbeatable, but that version is a rare sighting. It’s safe to expect Tsitsipas to prevail, while acknowledging that any result is possible with the Bulgarian, especially in a first-ever meeting between two exceptional talents.

The Pick: Stefanos Tsitsipas