[2] Roger Federer (SUI) vs [8] Stan Wawrinka (SUI)

It is good to have Stan Wawrinka back.  He won a tune-up in India, pushed Nole hard in the Melbourne semis, and won Rotterdam.  Then, Wawrinka sort of went away.  His semifinal run in Rome, complete with a win over Nadal, was a good start.  Reaching the quarterfinal round in Paris is a sign that Stan is again among the top players in the world.  Given his solid play at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2014, Stan can push for a second Grand Slam title before the end of 2015.  Will it unexpectedly come in Paris?

Roger Federer seems to have found some comfort on clay again after a one-sided quarterfinal loss at Roland Garros in 2013 and last year’s loss to a semi-zoning Gulbis.  Roger had to look at his draw this year and smile a lot given how badly he beat Berdych and Wawrinka in Rome in May.  Will it be more of the same vs. Wawrinka in June?

These two players know each other quite well.  They have played 18 times with Federer leading 16-2. Both of Wawrinka’s wins have come on clay, but Federer won their most recent meeting on clay 6-4, 6-2 after falling behind 0-3 in the first set.  They have played doubles together.  They practice together. There should not be a lot of surprises on court.  Wawrinka will likely welcome the heavy conditions as he can hit through a court/an opponent as well as anyone on the planet.  Federer loved Hamburg when it was a Masters 1000 event so heavy conditions may not bother him either.

My Prediction: Roger Federer d. Stanislas Wawrinka 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 I think their recent clash in Rome is a good yardstick for this match.  Roger is nearly 34-years-old and knows what an opportunity this draw presents.  I think Roger gets through and sees himself 6 tantalizing sets away from an unlikely 2nd Roland Garros title.