French Open 2013: Ranking Best Potential Quarterfinal Upsets
As likely as it is that Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer wins the 2013 French Open, their victory isn’t guaranteed. In fact, they’re not even guaranteed a semifinals bid.
On that note, here is a ranking of the greatest upset likelihoods in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros—as unlikely as one over the Big Three would be.
4. Stanislas Wawrinka over Rafael Nadal
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Wawrinka has never defeated Nadal in his nine attempts. Four of those attempts were on clay too.
While Warinka is ranked a solid ATP World No. 10, this is the least likely quarterfinal upset by far.
3. Tommy Robredo over David Ferrer
World rankings would suggest Robredo doesn’t have a shot. He’s ranked the ATP’s 34th-best singles player—the worst left in the tournament—compared to Ferrer, who’s sitting high and mighty at No. 5. Regardless, Robredo has found success against Ferrer in the past.
While Ferrer’s resume is superior, he’s just 5-2 all-time against Robredo on clay. Granted, Robredo’s last victory came in 2008, but still. Ferrer isn’t nearly as immune to the upset as one comparing their rankings would imagine.
2. Tommy Haas over Novak Djokovic
In the 2013 Sony Open Tennis, Haas eliminated Djokovic in the fourth round by the score of 6-2, 6-4.
The ATP World No. 14 beat Djoker two other times in his career as well, including the 2009 Gerry Weber Open final. However, the only time the two faced off on clay was the 2006 French Open and Djokovic won in three sets. But, again, that was seven years ago.
1. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga over Roger Federer
Tsonga boasts an impressive upset resume. He’s defeated Federer three times, Nadal three times and Djokovic six times. However, the only time he played Federer on clay was in the 2011 Internazionali BNL d'Italia, where the Swiss star had his way with him, winning by the score of 6-4, 6-2.
Tsonga also hasn’t lost a set yet in the 2013 French Open, and Federer needed five to sneak past Gilles Simon of France.
David Daniels is a breaking news writer at Bleacher Report and news editor at Wade-O Radio.
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