French Open 2022, Round of 16, Monday, 30.05.2022
The French Open 2022 enters its second, the decisive week. Before the new champion of Paris is crowned on Sunday, we can expect several high-class round of 16 finals on Monday.
In the afternoon, for example, two players will play each other who should always be on the list of favourites. In my Rublev Sinner tip, I therefore reveal why I expect a match on an absolute par!
For the third time in a row, Jannik Sinner has reached the last 16 in Paris, a remarkable achievement at the age of 20. In 2020, he sensationally beat Alexander Zverev in this very round, but was later eliminated by Rafael Nadal.
It was also the record champion who sealed Sinner’s exit a year ago. At the current tournament, the South Tyrolean only took a little break, moving confidently from round to round.
First, he delivered an easy 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 against Björn Fratangelo before winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 against Roberto Carballes. Here he made a strong comeback after trailing 0-1.
In the 3rd round, Sinner had to play Mackenzie McDonald, and the up-and-coming American put up quite a fight. In the end, the favourite won 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. He only used three of twelve break chances, a rate that should be increased against Andrey Rublev.
Tsitsipas, Auger-Aliassime, Zverev, Hurkacz – in the last few tournaments the 20-year-old only failed against big names. However, as world number 7, Rublev probably also has to be put in this category.
The two have already met once in 2021 and this year in Monte Carlo, and both times there was an Italian victory at the end. The duel two years ago in Vienna, which officially went to Rublev, only came about thanks to an early retirement by Sinner.
Winning in four sets has been his strategy here in Paris so far. He started with a 6-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over Soon-woo Kwon, then followed it up with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over Federico Delbonis.
Cristian Garin gave him a tough test in the 3rd round, but the 24-year-old overcame that too with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6. He only allowed four breaks in his three matches, which is definitely a strong score.
Rublev’s 2022 has been a bit of a mess so far. Eliminations in the 1st round in two sets are just as possible as victories against direct competition. In terms of title wins, he is clearly ahead of Jannik Sinner in any case.
My Rublev Sinner Tip
Two top players finally want to ignite the turbo at a Grand Slam! Both Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner would have what it takes to go really far in Paris.
According to my analysis, I don’t really see anyone in front, so it will probably be decided by the respective form on the day. In my eyes, it is extremely unlikely that we will see a quick, clear result here. In this respect, I’m betting:
There are at least 4 sets!
