Here we are, we’ve made it!

I had this match “spotted” at the start of the tournament, like “I hope they end up playing each other.” Why? Because I watched both of their matches this season, and even without this very dangerous first round for Z (two points away from losing the match against Sonego), I think I would have predicted the same thing. So let’s go…

I’ll start by quoting Z: “this match is exactly what I needed.” And I believe him. Coming within an inch of death in a huge R1 Grand Slam battle after struggling since Wimbledon. Getting through it. And finding a huge level again. We’ve seen that many times. Could that make us forget that Z has been playing worse lately, maybe because he needs a bit of a break during the biggest season of his career?

On Quentin’s side, after his very high level in Kitzbühel, he kind of rode the wave in Cincy but playing less well, and then he took a hit in Winston-Salem even if Bonzi neutralized him well. I was a bit afraid here that he might be entering a new dry spell. Because that’s often how Quentin works. And then, at the US Open, despite his game and 9 appearances, he has never reached the second round. He clearly says he’s never felt good here, and that he was dreading his first match. And then he finds himself up against Diaz Acosta, always dangerous to handle. And there, we saw the new Quentin again. The one who stays calm. And at the same time, the one who has more “bite.”

If it’s the humid conditions that Quentin has never really liked here, I have to say it hasn’t exactly been great physically for Z either. Shoulder discomfort, less impactful serve (too slowed down by the humidity, or just Sonego returning well?), he didn’t really embrace the rallies against Sonego and came to the net very often, etc. Not easy there either.

This match will be played on the main court, very likely under a closed roof, which is good news for Halys. Whereas at Roland, the closed roof had slowed down the conditions and put Quentin in a dead end because Z’s baseline solidity was just too good.

In Miami, Quentin was clutch in forcing Z to play two tie-breaks...