Day 10 Preview: Djokovic-Tsonga, Federer-Del Potro on Tap

By Chris Oddo                                     Photo Credit: Reuturs/Benoit Tessier

(June 4, 2012)—Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are one step away from setting up a rematch of their emotionally charged 2011 French Open semifinal. But standing in their way are a pair of pulsating protagonists.

Here’s a preview of each of tomorrow’s men’s quarterfinal matches:

Novak Djokovic vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 2nd Match Court Court Philippe Chatrier
Head-to-Head: 5-5

Novak Djokovic stumbled through a four-hour, eighteen-minute episode that forced him to face a few demons on Sunday: despair, fear, and ultimately perseverance defined Djokovic's stumble past Andreas Seppi in the round of 16, but the episode wasn't exactly uplifting for the Serb.

"At least I fought and I won," said Djokovic afterwards. "Now I want to forget this match."

So, what does that mean for his chances at Roland Garros?

Will he forget this match, or has he forgotten how to dominate like he once did in 2011?

Djokovic took care of Tsonga just last week in Rome, 7-5, 6-1, but Tsonga is chameleon-like in the sense that he can change from an also-ran to a tennis god based on his emotions of the moment. It's like that when you are a master of the "joie de vivre" like Tsonga is. And the Frenchman will no doubt be feeling inspired when he takes Court Philippe Chatrier to bid for his first career French Open semifinal tomorrow.

Djokovic, who made 77 unforced errors against Seppi, will hope that his game improves.

The world No. 1 hasn’t been able to play with the uncanny accuracy and intensity that have characterized him of late. He’s not cracking the ball and playing those improbably perfect long rallies that colored his 2011 campaign with an air of dominance.

Meanwhile, Tsonga might actually be benefiting from his pre-tournament declaration that a French Player would not win Roland Garros. The 27-year-old Frenchman is loose, and the fact that he’s one of the few players on tour with the strength to hit through the Terre Battue can only help him.

Pick: Djokovic in 5

Roger Federer vs. Juan Martin del Potro, 2nd Match, Court Suzanne Lenglen
Head-to-Head: Federer leads, 11-2

There are two ways to look at Roger Federer’s 5-match winning streak against Juan Martin del Potro: Either Roger was really pissed about consecutive big-match losses to the Argentine in 2009 (US Open finals and 2009 ATP World Tour Finals), or Del Potro’s career-defining wins against Federer in ’09 were a complete fluke.

Which story do you prefer?

The truth is that Federer has found multiple variations of the same theme against Del Potro: He knows how to make the big man bend down. Federer is a master at exposing Del Potro’s movement.

Worth noting is the fact the all five of Federer’s wins against Del Potro have come on hard courts. How will the Swiss Maestro deal with him on clay, where the power gap tilts more firmly in favor of the 6’6” slugger?

Also worth noting is the fact the Del Potro has been decidedly ornery thus far at Roland Garros. He looks mean out there, and that mummified, wrapped-up knee makes him look even meaner.

But is he clever--or powerful--enough to keep Roger on the run? Del Potro is a great mover, but not great enough to overcome an opponent that is dictating against him. That question that needs to be answered: Will Federer be able to keep Del Potro on the move and out of his comfort zone?

It has been a strange tournament for Federer, much like Djokovic. Neither has played their most inspired tennis--not even close. But there is the sense that Federer will be able to keep dialing in another level as the tournament progresses.

He’ll need that level against Del Potro, particularly on the return. To watch 21-year-old lucky loser David Goffin get world-beating serving results against him for two sets was not exactly confidence-inspiring.

If Federer goes without a break in the first two sets versus the Argentine, he'll likely have his back against a wall.

Pick: Del Potro in 4