Almost full program for the German-speaking aces in Roland Garros: Day 5 features the performances of Dominic Thiem and the two best German ladies at the French Open, Julia Görges and Angelique Kerber.
Thiem-Zverev-Watch: He won the second set against Dusan Lajovic, Alexander Zverev explained after his five-set victory against the Serb in the press conference, so the smashing of the bat served its purpose. The reward for the good deed is a free Thursday with the prospect of a Friday match against Damir Dzumhur.
The view from Dominic Thiem is called Matteo Berrettini. Which is basically not a bad thing for the third round in a major. Alone: Stefanos Tsitsipas has not yet surrendered, the presentation of the Greek on court 18 was very strong with the exception of the initial phase. The sequel (in our LIVE-TICKER) follows Fabio Fognini’s match against Erik Ymer.
Match of the day: Maximilian Marterer against Denis Shapovalov (Court 1, 11:00 am, in our LIVE-TICKER). Two left-handers who have taken two different paths into the extended world elite. The Canadian appeared in the summer of 2017 in the semi-final of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Montréal. The Franconian, on the other hand, did not achieve his first success on the ATP tour until the current campaign. Tortureer has shown his strong side against Ryan Harrison, Shapovalov will need an even stronger one.
Upset Alert of the day (so far: three correct, one wrong tip): Pablo Cuevas (URU) vs. Kevin Anderson (RSA/6). Cuevas is the modern version of his coach Alberto Mancini, a little smaller and more agile perhaps. But all in all: a wonderful clay court player. Anderson did not, but last year’s US Open finalist reached the semi-finals of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament for the first time in Madrid. Good prospects for a nice second match after 11:00 a.m. on Court 7 – in which the man from Uruguay prevails at the end.
German glasses: Angelique Kerber follows Anderson/Cuevas on Court 7, the two-time major winner meets Ana Bogdan. Julia Görges is allowed to play Court 1 again, but has to be patient, her match against Belgian Alyson van Uytvanck is the fourth and last match. Andrea Petkovic demands Bethanie Mattek-Sands from the USA in the second match on court 8. Jan-Lennard Struff starts on court 7 against Steve Johnson.
The realization of the previous day: Who takes his lunch from the, by the way very nice, media canteen into the public area, gets difficulties with the security personnel. The dull, but metal knives that work their way through every poached salmon are considered weapons. I’m glad it’s so safe in Roland Garros.
Here are the most important matches of Thursday: