French Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz vs Felix Auger-Aliassime; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

Prior to the tournament, Carlos Alcaraz‘s form was questionable. Withdrawals from 3 out of the 4 clay court tournaments had fans worried about his French Open chances. However, the Spaniard dismissed all the doubts with a stunning straight-set victory over a redlining Sebastian Korda. While he aims to make another deep run in Paris, he bumps into a familiar foe in Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Felix remains one of the very few players to have pushed the great Rafael Nadal to five sets at Roland Garros. Two years ago, at the same venue, he instilled fear in Spanish tennis fans’ hearts. Tonight, he will look to do one better against the World No.3.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Felix Auger-Aliassime: French Open Round 4 Preview

The lack of tournaments could be a genuine concern for most top pros, but not quite for Alcaraz. Even on his off days, the 21-year-old prefers to rest rather than practice. Despite only playing the Madrid Open in the lead-up to Roland Garros, Alcaraz still started as the favorite to win the slam. He suffered one of the biggest heartbreaks in Paris last year against Novak Djokovic when cramps got the better of him in the last 2 sets. Since then, his eyes have been focusing on La Coupe des Mousquetaires.

Unlike Carlos, Felix has spent ample time on European clay. His run to the Madrid finals included a defiant win over Casper Ruud. Coming into the match after dominating Ben Shelton, the Canadian will be buzzing with confidence. He will now fancy his chances against an opponent he has dominated in the past.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Felix Auger-Aliassime: Head-to-Head

Alcaraz and Felix have locked horns five times, with the latter leading 3-2. However, Carlos has won their last 2 meetings.

• US Open 2021 QF (H): Felix won 6-3, 3-1 ret.
• Davis Cup 2022 RR (H): Felix won 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2
• Basel 2022 SF (H): Felix won 6-3, 6-2
• Indian Wells 2023 QF (H): Alcaraz won 6-4 6-4
• Indian Wells 2024 R32 (H): Alcaraz won 6-3, 6-2

They are yet to play each other on clay. However, the last two Indian Wells encounters could be an indication of how the matchup could turn out tonight.

Prediction:

Alcaraz’s ferocious forehand, artistic net play, and unparalleled defense put him as the outright favorite. Nevertheless, Felix’s redlining tendencies are scary. He can paint the lines off both wings, serve big, and also pounce on Alcaraz’s rather mediocre serve.

Rain becomes another crucial factor for this matchup. If the players are forced to play indoors, Felix’s chances will shoot up significantly. His serve turns into a deadly weapon when the wind doesn’t factor in under the roof. In fact, all of Carlos’ losses against the Canadians have come under indoor conditions, albeit on hard courts.

Final verdict: Carlos Alcaraz to win in three sets, if rain doesn’t play a role. However, if the match is played under the roof, Felix will push Carlos to five sets. Felix’s ace count will also be significantly higher than that of Alcaraz.