French Open Quarterfinals Predictions Including Ruud vs Rune

With the field whittled down to just six competitors, this final run will be massive for any of the four players remaining in the bottom half of the French Open men’s draw. As always, we here at LWOT will preview and predict every match. Who do you think will make the semifinals?

French Open Quarterfinals Predictions

Alexander Zverev vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry

Damian Kust: What a run it’s been for Etcheverry, making the quarterfinals without dropping a set. He’s finally showing his Challenger form on the main tour this year and then some. Zverev might be one step too far though. The German struggled a bit in the opening round, but has been looking better and better in all these night matches since. Despite not being in his 2022 form, he’s likely to defend his semifinal points from Paris and will have plenty to gain in the latter half of this year.
Prediction: Zverev in 4

Jack Edward: Tomas Martin Etcheverry once said he has no regrets on the match court so long as he doesn’t back down in the big moments. Having progressed this far without dropping a set, he is well up for matches at these stakes and will leave everything he has out there. Alexander Zverev appears to be close to the same level that got him to the semifinals last year but would do well not to underrate the Argentine, whose clay-court form is arguably greater than that of Zverev’s previous opponents. I’m expecting Zverev to come through in an epic.
Prediction: Zverev in 5.

Andreas Pelekis: Etcheverry hasn’t dropped a set all tournament, concluding his last match with a 6-1 6-0 rout in the last two sets. Yet, Zverev’s win against Dimitrov seemed reminiscent of his peak 2017-2019 form. His imposing serve, something he’s seemingly lacked in recent matches, was firing on all cylinders. With his big serve, he’ll push Etcheverry back and create many offensive opportunities. While Etcheverry can certainly win this, I feel that he’ll have a small letdown going into his first ever match on Chatrier. Limiting unforced errors will be crucial for the Argentine, and he’ll have to execute on break point chances in the match. Zverev knows how to play in a major quarterfinal, as the German’s match Wednesday is his fifth French Open quarterfinal. With both players full of confidence, the edge has to go to Zverev with his form and experience.
Prediction: Zverev in 4

Casper Ruud vs Holger Rune

Damian: Rune’s fitness in best-of-five remains a question mark and he barely survived the match against Francisco Cerundolo, having to keep points shorter and rush the net a lot. He’d usually be the favorite here for me as his upside is a lot higher, but you know Ruud will make it physical. In a potential five-setter, it’s the Norwegian who’d be more likely to come out on top and you know he wouldn’t falter the way Cerundolo did when it came to the crunch.
Prediction: Ruud in 5

Jack: After Daniil Medvedev crashed out in the first round, Holger Rune was my favourite to get to the final provided he could avoid one thing—an exhausting five-set epic. The only question mark over the Dane in recent times has been his physical conditioning, which has failed him in the last three finals he’s played over the clay-court season. Following a four-hour win against Francisco Cerundolo, he could now be far more vulnerable than he would have been at the start of the tournament. Casper Ruud has done a great job of working out each of his opponents and won’t shy away from a lengthy battle. Despite the Norwegian’s relatively poor season, I think he’ll seize the opportunity to repeat his result from last year.
Prediction: Ruud in 4

Andreas: Bring popcorn for this one, and then prepare to bring more popcorn as this match has five sets written all over it. Ruud’s been able to play his way into this tournament, not playing his A game, but bringing enough solid consistency to wear down opponents. Rune, on the other hand, has been quite patchy in some of his matches. His opener against Eubanks got tricky, and it looked like Cerundolo (and cramps) would result in another fourth-round setback. A rematch of last year’s quarterfinal, there was no shortage of drama, with controversial line calls, and a post-match feud with Rune accusing Ruud of bad sportsmanship. Ruud’s heavy spin will force Rune to utilize a more defensive game, and the Norwegian star’s forehand will try to break down Rune’s weaker backhand. In order for the Dane to win, Rune will have to serve big and make a lot of first serves, allowing free points and forcing Ruud to take more risks; this is something that brings out the worst in Ruud. Rune also won their latest match in Rome, battling from a set down. I feel that Rune’s firepower should get him through, with their last match indicating Rune knows how to win in this matchup.
Prediction: Rune in 5

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports