Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner meet Monday in the fourth round of the 2021 French Open.
Rafael Nadal is coming off a straight sets win over Cameron Norrie that took 27 games to decide. In the victory, Nadal won 79 percent of his first serve points and 55 percent of his second serve points. Nadal won 70 percent of his total service points and converted on six of his 12 break points. Nadal still has yet to drop a set this tournament and has won his last 10 sets overall. Nadal hasn’t lost before the quarterfinals of a grand slam since the 2017 Wimbledon. Nadal has made at least the quarterfinals in 14 of his previous 16 appearances at the French Open. Nadal has won eight straight matches on clay court.
Jannik Sinner is coming off a straight sets win over Mikael Ymer that took 28 games to decide. In the victory, Sinner won 81 percent of his first serve points and 53 percent of his second serve points. Sinner won 68 percent of his total service points and converted on six of his 16 break points. Sinner is coming off his easiest win yet, but he’s played 12 sets to get to this point and that could certainly take its toll. Sinner looks to make his second career grand slam quarterfinal appearance. Sinner looks for his fifth career win over a top-10 player. Sinner has won six of his last nine matches on clay court.
Nadal has won both meetings against Sinner, both in straight sets. The most recent match was in Rome of this year. Both matches took place on clay court.
Sinner is a talented 19-year-old who could perform better than some predict, but Nadal in this tournament is a different beast. These two have also played twice and Nadal cruised in both matches on clay.
Only bet here is to side with Nadal in straight sets.
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Mitch's Take...
