Two former major champs take to court while home hopes rest with Benoit Paire.
“I’m trying to approach each match like a final…I don't know what it is about Roland-Garros that gives me always a nice mood and my tennis develops much better."
Garbine Muguruza is a contender once again - and she means business.
The world No.19 is inspired back on the grounds where she lifted the title in 2016. The Spaniard posted an emphatic 6-3, 6-3 win over Elina Svitolina to book a third meeting with former US Open champion Sloane Stephens. They've split two previous matches.
If anyone doubted Stephens’ desire to succeed in Paris, her roaring celebration after escaping against Polona Hercog tells you everything.
This is what it means.
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 31, 2019
After a second set scare, @SloaneStephens zones in to defeat Hercog 6-3 5-7 6-4.#RG19 pic.twitter.com/hrUb7dG39x
2018 finalist Stephens is effortlessly effective on the terre battue and has been rebooted by coach Sven Groeneveld.
“You're playing for a spot in the quarters of a slam. Just gotta leave everything out there and see what happens.”
Japan’s talisman continues to find results in the Grand Slam sphere, digging deep to outgun Laslo Djere in the third round to improve his five-set record an outstanding (22-6), including 4-1 in Paris.
One of Nishikori’s Roland-Garros battles was a five-set thriller with Paire last summer. He’ll step onto court as favourite, leading their head-to-head 6-2. However, flamboyant Frenchman Paire is riding a “wave” of form after clinching two titles - Marrakech and Lyon - on the road to Roland-Garros.
Nishikori also hailed the world No.38’s weapons, including the “best backhand on Tour.” Nishikori, seeking a third French Open quarter-final, has to recharge with Paire locked in mentally and physically.
He’s fully aware Paire is on the prowl to prolong his Parisian dream.
A final in Rabat, a final in Rome ... British No.1 Konta is well and truly back. The former world No.4 is a real momentum player and has confidence coursing as the first British woman into the fourth round since 1983.
Yet 22-year-old Vekic is a fierce competitor, explaining their 3-3 head-to-head record. They enjoyed several blistering battles in the past; their Centre Court epic at Wimbledon 2017 culminated with Konta winning 10-8 in the third.
Vekic, victorious in their last two matches, has the extra motivation of securing a first major quarter-final spot.
Expect another finely poised encounter bursting with searing shots and emotion.
Both Stef and Stan came though darkness-delayed matches on Saturday to reach round four, where they will meet in a stylish clash of power and one-handed backhands.
>FULL TSITSIPAS-WAWRINKA PREVIEW
Tsitsipas is enjoying by far his best Roland-Garros campaign, and will appear in the second week of a second straight Slam thanks to a four-set win over Filip Krajinovic; French fans have warmed to the sixth seed’s swashbuckling, athletic, flowing style.
Greek History 🤛@StefTsitsipas becomes the first Greek player to reach the Roland-Garros round of 16 in 83 years after eliminating Filip Krajinovic 7-5 6-3 6-7(5) 7-6(6).#RG19 pic.twitter.com/q93KqkTbxT
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2019
Still, those same fans are loyal to Swiss Francophone Wawrinka, a title winner in 2015 who appears to be rounding back into championship winning form. Stan stopped former world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov in three tiebreaks and has dropped just one set en route to the last 16.
When 34-year-old Wawrinka faces 20-year-old Tsitsipas, it will be the first meeting between two players at opposite ends of the career spectrum.
ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
