French Open 2022

First topic message reminder :

Draw sections

1- Djokovic (possible R4 Schwartzmann or Dimitrov)
2 - Nadal (possible R2 - Wawrinka, possible R3 Fognini)
3 - Zverev
4 - Alcaraz (possible R4 Norrie/Thiem)
5 - Ruud
6 - Tsitsipas (possible R4 Shapovalov)
7 - Rublev
8 - Medvedev

Possible QFs
Djokovic vs Nadal (!)
Zverev vs Alcaraz
Ruud vs Tsitsipas
Rublev v Medvedev

Tough draw for everyone in the top half. Tsitsipas moves into contention a bit more after this draw.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/tennis/french-open-2022-draw-possible-routes-to-final-for-djokovic-nadal-alcaraz-swiatek-and-raducanu-explained/ar-AAXu4Mz

Cilic takes the second set 6-3, he’s taking Medvedev a part here. The Russian seems to be out of ideas.

Cilic batters Medvedev 6-2 6-3 6-2. The big Croat’s serve literally pummelled the Russian into submission. Medvedev created no BP opportunities and in fact only won 17 points against Cilic’s serve in 3 sets. Cilic won 90% of the points when he got his 1st into play. Absolutely dominant.

Absolutely stunning performance by Cilic. It was like a flashback to when he won his US Open. He was unplayable today, I think Medvedev was stunned, there was nothing he could do to stop it. Cilic is such a streaky player, when he plays like that he can beat anybody. Now a case of how do you back that up?!! Rublev watching that would be like….ehhhhh

The mid generation players really aren't great. The amount of times Medvedev, Tsitsipas and Zverev completely lose the plot is numerous.

SR, in fairness now how is Medvedev not that great a player?? Tsitsipas and Zverev are also excellent tennis players, yes those two have not won a slam but they are damn good players.

I am surprised at Tsitsipas losing today but I don’t care who Cilic played today, he was unstoppable! Give credit where it’s due

I’ve watched a lot of clay court tennis, lower levels as well, this display by Cilic was quite frankly insane. This could be the greatest serving display in the modern era on clay.
Cilic made Medvedev(former #1, USO champ) look like an also ran. Medvedev is one of the best return of serve players on tour and he had absolutely no idea what to do.
Even Cilic, who from what I’ve seen over the years, is a fairly reserved character said this was up as one of his greatest ever victories.
If he can maintain this level he can genuinely beat anyone and slightly down the road, he puts himself in the hunt at Wimbledon.

Jeff, agree 100%. It really was a phenomenal display by Cilic. You could just tell Cilic was in ‘that zone’ today where he almost couldn’t miss and even his variety was so impressive. You expect the big serve, huge forehand etc but even his feel on the drop shots was great to watch. I would say Medvedev walked to the changing room wondering what had just happened. It was an absolute masterclass by Cilic today

Clearly, Cilic partied as if it was 2014. Whether he can reproduce that sort of form in the remaining rounds is uncertain.

But Marin does have the advantage of having been around at the business end of Slams and the style of the Medvedev win is bound to give him confidence.

I'm taking Djoko to beat Rafa today, especially as it's a night match. Don't suppose many would be surprised if Zverev went down to Alcaraz.

Good chance for Fernandez to reach the semis. The other quarter is harder to predict, as Stephens can be so mercurial. She's capable on any one day of beating anyone then on another day she has a stinker.

Martina Trevisan beats Leylah Fernández 6-2 6-7 6-3 to reach her first major semi final. Trevisan projected to move into world top 30 for the first time as well. Winning streak continues to 10. This period has been the moment of Trevisan’s career. The Toscana will fancy her chances to reach the final.
Trevisan had match point in the second set, when Fernández saved it I thought she might break Trevisan’s heart. But Martina wasn’t to be denied!

Gauff beats Stephens 7-5 6-2 setting up semi final with Trevisan.

Sascha takes the opening against Carlitos 6-4

Sascha takes the second 6-4

Long way back for Alcaraz now. Only following the scores but it seems the young boy is making a lot of UEs

sirfredperry wrote:Long way back for Alcaraz now. Only following the scores but it seems the young boy is making a lot of UEs

Definitely seems to be feeling the pressure. Going for too much on his shots.

Alcaraz takes the third 6-4. Finally converting a BP

Sascha fails to serve out the match at 5-4 in the fourth

Sascha Zverev wins 6-4 6-4 4-6 7-6. Sascha’s first win over a top 10 player ever at a major.

Great match from Zverev.
Alcaraz a little nervous and insecure in first two sets, then it was just too late, as Zverev had grown a huge confidence by that time


Now I am so nervous, my heart wants Rafa to win, but my head says its almost impossible... It all seems to fit Novak better, the schedule of the match, conditions and specially in form status

I wish Novak had a bad day... but that seems unlikely

lets hope.

After a 10 minute opening game Rafa breaks 1-0

Nadal holds 2-0. The Spaniard really going after it with his forehand in the early stages.

Great win for Zverev. Djokovic with his traditional slow start, always get broken at the start, such a bizarre habit

Djokovic holds to love, the Serb getting warmed up 1-2

immediately after only a few minutes this already feels like a bit higher level than the previous match

to me these are the top two really, although the rankings may say otherwise.

Nadal saves 2 BPs, 3-1

Nadal breaks again 4-1

Nadal holds to love 5-1

Serious anti climax so far. Djokovic has not showed up at all

Serious anti climax so far. Djokovic has not showed up at all

Djokovic holds 2-5

Nadal takes first set 6-2, the Spaniard was somewhere near his best.
First set Djokovic has dropped this tournament.

Very poor set by Djokovic’s standards. 46% first serves only. 9 Unforced errors. The Serb’s footwork was all over the place at times.

Bit surprised to see Djoko trailing.

Bet Zverev was mighty relieved his match didn't go to five, especially after failing to serve it out at 5-4 in that 4th set.

I'm not going to say "I told you so" when I said, earlier, I thought it was crazy to consider Alcaraz favourite for the title. As it is, he's probably learned a lot about five-set tennis and broadened his experience.

1-0 Nadal breaks first game, second set. Djokovic saved 6 BPs but seventh time around Nadal wasn’t to be denied. Some 14 minutes that game.
Absolutely mesmerising from the Spaniard at times, the forehand like a cannon.

sirfredperry wrote:Bit surprised to see Djoko trailing.

Bet Zverev was mighty relieved his match didn't go to five, especially after failing to serve it out at 5-4 in that 4th set.

I'm not going to say "I told you so" when I said, earlier, I thought it was crazy to consider Alcaraz favourite for the title. As it is, he's probably learned a lot about five-set tennis and broadened his experience.

I bow my Italian head to you Sir Fred

2-0 Nadal as he holds to love. Djokovic looks a bit shell shocked

3-0 Nadal breaks again as Djokovic fades from 40-15 up

This is about as bad as you will see Djokovic play. What is he playing at??

Djokovic gets one of the breaks back 1-3

Djokovic holds 2-3, maybe the Serb finally woken up

Djokovic breaks again 3-3 marathon game lasting 19 minutes

Djokovic saves BP, moves up 4-3 - fourth game in a row

The first set I was trying to work and watch at the same time but every time I looked up from my computer nothing was happening, about 10 times in a row it seems very short points but they still take ages between points even when they are short

Quite different at the moment, lot more rallies

Nadal stems the flow 4-4

Djokovic 5-4 a straightforward hold

Djokovic wins second set 6-4

Nadal breaks to love first game, third set.

Nadal holds to 30, 2-0

Djokovic holds 1-2

Nadal saves BP and holds serve 3-1

Double break for Nadal 4-1