French Open Quarterfinal Predictions Including Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Flavio Cobolli

We have been treated to one of the most exciting French Opens in recent memory, and we aren’t done yet. On Wednesday, the final two semifinal spots will be punched as No. 4 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime squares off against Flavio Cobolli, and Matteo Berrettini battles countryman Matteo Arnaldi. As always, we at LWOT offer our roundtable insights into the matches. But who will advance?

French Open Quarterfinal Predictions

Matteo Berrettini vs Matteo Arnaldi

Amanda
It’s been a dream week for both Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi, as they started the tournament outside the top 100 and are now in the quarterfinals. Arnaldi can neutralize many of Berrettini’s strengths, though, as Arnaldi can extend points and consistently get returns in play. The toll of back-to-back five-setters may take a toll on Arnaldi, though, and with a match that could be extremely close, Berrettini being fresher gives him an advantage.
Prediction: Berrettini in 5

Cizu
Three Italians in the French Open quarterfinals, and two face off here. After a testing period, Berrettini is having a tournament to remember, finding the tennis he’s capable of. Arnaldi came through another tough five-setter, in a competition that’s already provided a number of them. This match, in many ways, comes down to how Berrettini’s backhand copes against Arnaldi’s solid backhand.

The older Italians backhand looked susceptible in his last match. Other aspects of Berrettini’s game make him the clear favourite. He also raised his game impressively in the crucial moments, and you can expect him to do so against his younger compatriot.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4

Ilemona
Matteo Berrettini came through in straight sets against J.M Cerundolo in the previous round, showing signs of better freshness. Matteo Arnaldi, on the other hand, has been through a war of attrition with back-to-back five-setters, including his gritty win over Tiafoe, after already being pushed to four sets in his opening rounds. Berrettini’s heavy serve and powerful forehand are big weapons on clay when he has recovered, and the fatigue difference could play a major role in this quarterfinal.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4

Ateet
Matteo Berrettini played a great match to defeat Juan Manuel Cerundolo in straight sets. He was on the verge of losing the third set multiple times, but somehow turned it around. That might be significant, since Matteo Arnaldi has spent the most time on court and is coming off a marathon battle against Frances Tiafoe. This is a good matchup for Arnaldi, but I don’t know how much gas he has left in the tank.
Prediction: Berrettini in 4

Jordan
After missing the previous four French Opens, Berrettini has shown how good he really is on clay. The 2021 Wimbledon runner-up is a six-time tournament winner on the surface for a reason. Arnaldi’s comeback against Frances Tiafoe was incredible, but his compatriot possesses more bottle than the American. If his body holds up, I expect Berrettini to triumph.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3

Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Flavio Cobolli

Amanda
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Flavio Cobolli have done what very few top players have done at this French Open: make it to the final eight. Both of them have looked solid in their recent matches, with Auger-Aliassime especially dominant in the fourth round. However, Cobolli has been great all week and favors clay; his admitted nerves in the fourth round and Auger-Aliassime rounding into form put him at a slight disadvantage. It’s hard to see this match ending in straight sets, but right now Auger-Aliassime has the momentum on his side.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 4

Cizu
The battle between two players who absolutely love a big forehand swing. This promises to be as competitive as it will be engaging, with both confident of their chances here. Cobolli is the more natural clay-court player, and he’s put up a really good tournament so far, showing himself to be one of the most impressive players.

The Canadian has put up a run that has enhanced his clay pedigree, with an impressive straight-sets win over a decent clay-courter in his last match. However, his ability to come off the boil in matches, facing a player like Cobolli who looks absolutely dialed in and more at home on this surface, is why I see him unable to get to the finish line and into the French Open semifinals.
Prediction: Cobolli in 5

Ilemona
Felix Auger-Aliassime has battled through several tough, long matches, thanks to his improved clay movement and big serving. Flavio Cobolli has been one of the freshest players in the draw, cruising through with dominant straight-set wins and clean ball-striking. Cobolli’s current efficiency and athleticism should trouble Auger-Aliassime in what looks like a high-quality matchup.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4

Ateet
Felix Auger-Aliassime has improved his level with every match and was fantastic against Alejandro Tabilo. Cobolli had a rough patch against Zachary Svajda, but overall, he has been cruising at this French Open. This is a huge match for both these players and could end up being a bloodbath. I think Cobolli will return Auger-Aliassime’s serve better and put more pressure on the backhand, which is not the Canadian’s strength. I am going with the Italian.
Prediction: Cobolli in 5

Jordan
These two possess similarities and contrasts. Both try to dominate in the rallies with their forehands, but Auger-Aliassime has a better serve, while Cobolli moves better. On clay, I favor Cobolli’s all-round game slightly more than the Canadian’s.
Prediction: Cobolli in 4

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images