It will be an all-Italian quarterfinal showdown in Jannik Sinner’s section of the French Open draw…but it won’t involve Jannik Sinner.
Instead, Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi will battle for an improbable semifinal spot at the season’s second Grand Slam. Almost as surprising is that these two compatriots — despite both having been around for quite a while — are going head-to-head for the first time in their careers.
Five-set thrillers have been the story on the men’s side throughout this fortnight at Roland Garros. It would be no surprise if another one takes place on Wednesday between two Italians who are no strangers to going the distance. Both Arnaldi (vs. Raphael Collignon) and Berrettini (vs. Francisco Comesana) played fifth-set tiebreakers in the third round. Arnaldi followed that up with another five-set marathon against Frances Tiafoe on Monday night, whereas Berrettini beat Juan Manuel Cerundolo in straights. The 104th-ranked Arnaldi has to be running on fumes, but perhaps he has at least one match — or most of one match — still left in his legs.
Strictly from a tennis standpoint, Arnaldi has arguably been more impressive this fortnight — and he can cope with Berrettini’s power on clay. But the former Wimbledon finalist and hard-court slam semifinalist (both Australian Open and U.S. Open) has the physical edge. The likely result is a long, back-and-forth contest that begins in Arnaldi’s favor before Berrettini gains the upper hand.
Pick: Berrettini in 5