By Chris Oddo | Saturday, May 30, 2015

 

Roger Federer and Gael Monfils will square off at Roland Garros for the fourth time at Day 8.

Photo Source: Day 8

On each day of the French Open we will provide you with notes on three matches to watch, plus notes and numbers to keep you well-equipped for the day ahead.

SEE THE COMPLETE DAY 8 SCHEDULE HERE

1. Roger Federer vs. Gael Monfils, 3rd Match, Chatrier

Got your popcorn ready? Because you likely will need it. Federer has won all three of his clashes with Monfils at Roland Garros, but since their last meeting in Roland Garros in 2011, Monfils seems to have gained some insight into Federer’s game. The Frenchman has won the last two on clay vs. Federer and now it’s up to Roger to respond with a few tactical surprises as well as some authoritative ball-striking.

Monfils has already made some waves in the press room, saying he felt Roger got a bit “pissed” when the crowd was pulling for him in New York last summer during their five-setter at the US Open. Whether it’s true or not is debatable, but one thing’s for certain: Monfils is dangerous when he gets the crowd behind him at Roland Garros.

2. Maria Sharapova vs. Lucie Safarova, 4th Match, Suzanne Lenglen

Sharapova has won the last four against the Czech but Safarova actually served for the match vs. the Russian the last time they played in Stuttgart in ’14. Safarova is playing some of the best tennis of her career, and could be a very tough out.

“I think the last time was a really tough match in Stuttgart last year where she was serving for the match,” Sharapova said. “I know I have a tough one ahead of me. Lefties are always tricky. It will be my first one of the tournament. I will definitely need to be ready, but I know what I have to do. I just have to get it done.”

3. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Tomas Berdych, 2nd Match, Chatrier

If you like watching big boys crush the ball so hard that fans in the crowd have to wear earplugs, then this could be the match for you. Both Tsonga and Berdych can wallop the big serves and thump the groundies, but this intriguing matchup of hard hitters will likely come down to who has the better finishing touch.


By the Numbers

65-6 Maria Sharapova’s record on clay in her last 71 matches. Wow.

44 Number of Grand Slam quarterfinals Roger Federer will have made if he can get past Monfils. If he does so he will move three clear of Jimmy Connors 41 for the most all-time.

10-8 The score in the final set the last time Ana Ivanovic and Ekaterina Makarova met, which was at the 2011 Australian Open. It was a first-round match, won by Makarova.

5 Number of men who have played 14 or more five-setters at any single Grand Slam event. Monfils has played 13 at Roland Garros, going 10-3.