French Open 2019: Four absolutely tantilising matches to watch on day six at Roland Garros

French Open
Rafael Nadal press conference

Day six of the French Open promises not to disappoint, and we have picked out four matches in particular that have ‘must see’ written all over them.

Garbine Muguruza v Elina Svitolina

In truth, Muguruza is probably seeded a little low at 19, and she was always going to represent a ‘short straw’ for someone in the draw.

That someone, as it turns out, is ninth-seed Svitolina.

This one promises to be a fascinating contest. Svitolina has by far enjoyed the best of their head-to-head matches, winning five of their six contests to date.

Muguruza, though, is much more proven at majors after winning two Grand Slam titles.

It’s a tough one to call, and that’s sure to make for interesting viewing.

Roger Federer v Casper Ruud

Roger Federer wiping his face

Ruud’s father, Christian, actually competed at the 1999 French Open, which also featured Federer.

This year, though, it’s his son in the limelight and he’s going to get a direct shot at Feds on Suzanne Lenglen.

In many ways, this highlights, if any was needed, just how incredible Federer’s longevity has been, but Ruud is unlikely to get distracted by such thoughts on Friday.

Ruud is actually more of a Rafael Nadal fan than Federer anyway, and is even based at the Spaniard’s Majorca academy.

Federer probably won’t falter, but he is unlikely to have it all his own way either.

Rafael Nadal v David Goffin

Let’s be honest: Nadal is yet to be even remotely tested at this year’s French Open.

He has faced two qualifiers so far and they have been total non-contests.

Goffin will, of course, start as a huge outsider, but it’s a noteworthy match for the simple reason that Nadal has never before played a seeded player in the first four rounds at Roland Garros.

Goffin may be a former world number seven but those days look behind him for now at least, but can he cause a historic shock on Philippe Chatrier? It’ll be worth a look, certainly.

Stan Wawrinka v Grigor Dimitrov

Grigor Dimitrov wins point against Rafael Nadal on floor PA

It’s a meeting of two fallen giants on Lenglen, and both will be eyeing up the fourth round here to prove they are coming back to prominence.

Wawrinka is, of course, a former Roland Garros champion, so we know he has the quality to go far. Injuries have really hit of of late, but he’s a player you’d always be reluctant to write off.

Dimitrov will have taken enormous heart from his win over Marin Cilic in round two, and he needs a good run in a major more than most given his alarming slide down the rankings over the last year.

Wawrinka has the edge in terms of recent history after beating Dimitrov at both Wimbledon and the US Open last season, but it’s a very tough one to call.

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