Roland Garros: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov preview, head-to-head & prediction | French Open 2020
Match details
Fixture: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov
Date: 5 October 2020
Tournament: Roland Garros 2020
Round: Fourth round (Round of 16)
Venue: Paris, France
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Red clay
Prize money: Approx. €38,000,000
Match timing: Approx. 1 pm CEST, 4.30 pm IST
Live Telecast: USA - NBC / Tennis Channel | India - Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar VIP
Also check out: The Complete French Open 2020 Schedule
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov preview
Stefanos Tsitsipas has done well to move past his recent disappointments on clay and make it to the second week of the French Open. The Greek might not have gotten the kind of start to the tournament that he would have liked, but he seems to be growing in confidence with each match.
After solid wins in the second and third rounds, Tsitsipas has now been rewarded with a blockbuster round of 16 matchup against Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian has finally made it to the second week in Paris, on his 10th attempt.
The second week run here is a big chip off Dimitrov's shoulder. He will now likely think a little more freely of matching his other semifinal appearances at Slams outside of Roland Garros.
Even though Dimitrov's results heading into this encounter might not look too different from his opponent's, he has managed to do well against much stronger opposition on the red dirt over the last few weeks. Dimitrov was outstanding in displays against the likes of Jannik Sinner and Denis Shapovalov in Rome, and has impressed at the French Open so far despite having some tricky opponents in his draw.
For years the 29-year-old was a top contender for Slams outside of the Big 4, but he seemed to have lost that standing to the next generation of stars. At Roland Garros, he has a great shot at making a statement if he can manage a win over Tsitsipas.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov head-to-head
The fourth round encounter on Monday will be the first time that Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov play each other, so their current head-to-head stands at 0-0.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov prediction
This is a big match for both men as neither has played a Roland Garros quarterfinal before. But Grigor Dimitrov, who is the senior player, will probably be even more pumped to continue his run here in the French capital.
Dimitrov, much like his opponent, has an immensely powerful forehand which he can hit with pace and a good amount of spin. But it's the backhand side that could be the make-or-break aspect for this match as far as the Bulgarian is concerned.
Dimitrov has a really diverse range of shots off that one-handed stroke - from efficient slices, to well-disguised drop shots and his personal favorite, the flat down the line shot. And Stefanos Tsitsipas' backhand, strong as it may be, simply doesn't offer those many variations.
The Greek youngster might be the favorite on paper, especially if it turns into a physical five-set battle. But if Dimitrov can find a way to lift his game at the right moments, this could turn into a very close affair.
Prediction: Grigor Dimitrov to win in four sets.
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