David Ferrer, French Open, Gilles Simon, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Tommy Haas

And then there were 8: Quarterfinals at Roland Garros

Posted by Dan Martin on

Note: I know going AWOL for the first week of a Grand Slam is a bad idea for a tennis website.  My wife and I welcomed our 3rd child into the world right as Roland Garros 2013 was commencing.  All are well, but I have been a little distracted.

Sentimental Picks

There are a lot of great stories at the French Open this year.  Novak Djokovic is playing with a heavy heart while pursuing a career Grand Slam and half of a Calendar Grand Slam.  Tommy Haas has continued a remarkable comeback that began last year.  Tommy Robredo has launched a comeback that is equally impressive.  I’d love to see Robredo reach the semifinal round.  I think Nole will end Haas’ run as he gears up to battle the Godzilla of Clay.

Quarterfinal Data

  • 4 of the 8 quarterfinalists use a one-handed backhand.  This shot is not dead.
  • 4 of the 8 quarterfinalists are over 30.  Slower courts and more physical play have made it harder for a youngster to ride a big shot and hot streak into the second week of a slam.  Also, nearly everyone gets free points off of his serve so a player relying on a big serve only is at some point going to have to break serve.
  • 3 of the 8 quarterfinalists are from Spain, and 2 are from Switzerland.  Germany, Serbia, and France each boast 1 quarterfinalist.
  • Tennisball Wizard: It is possible that the championship match could feature Tommy Haas vs. Tommy Robredo.
  • Rafael Nadal’s French Open record stands at an otherworldly 56-1.  56-1!
  • Roger Federer has reached at least the quarterfinal round at the French Open in each of the following years: 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.
  • Novak Djokovic has reached at least the quarterfinal round at the French Open in each of the following years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Fair Question

Will Jo-Wilfried Tsonga get the support of a majority of French fans versus Roger Federer?

Gilles Simon had uneven support as the crowd left him right as he grabbed a 2 set to 1 lead over Federer.  Roger as number one emeritus gets a ton of support in every tournament he plays.  An older and less dominant Federer is likely to get even more cheers in the years to come.

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