Three to See, French Open Day 4: Nadal vs. Maden; Nishikori vs. Tsonga

Before each day's play at the 2019 French Open, we'll preview three must-see matches.

Jo and Kei have staged some epics—a five-setter that Kei won at the 2012 Australian Open; a third-set tiebreaker that Kei also won at the 2013 Paris Masters; a five-setter that Jo won at Roland Garros in 2015; and a third-set tiebreaker that Jo won at the 2016 Paris Masters. Which makes sense, because both of these guys tend to play in ebbs and flows; Tsonga is typically a slow starter, while Nishikori is prone to mid-match walkabouts. They’re also prone to injury, which helps explain why they haven’t faced off since 2016. Right now, Nishikori is the higher-ranked player, as well as being the young player by nearly five years. But Tsonga will be at home, in Chatrier. Can they just start the fifth set now? Winner: Tsonga

Once upon a time, Nadal being exiled to Court Suzanne Lenglen, the second stadium at Roland Garros, would have been cause for a full-blown Twitter fan war. And maybe it still is. One person who probably isn’t complaining about the court assignment is Rafa himself; he’s undefeated in Lenglen (his only two losses in Paris came in Chatrier). Aside from the chance to see Nadal play in a different, somewhat more intimate atmosphere, this match sounds highly routine on paper. Maden is ranked No. 114, and has a career record of 7-13; that leaves him only 936 wins behind Rafa. Judging from his physical measurements—6’1”, 155 pounds—and his age, 29, the German doesn’t sound like the kind of guy who is going to come out of nowhere and give Rafa a scare for a set, either. Winner: Nadal

The 34-year-old Wawrinka has obviously had the better career, but the 22-year-old Garin, who is 19-7 with two titles on clay in 2019, has had the better year. The intensely competitive Chilean has been one of the ATP’s breakout players this season, especially on dirt. Now, though, he’ll be bringing his act to the Bullring, where he’ll pit himself against the 2015 champion. How good is Garin going to be? We should have a better idea after Wednesday. How good is Wawrinka going to be in 2019? We should know more about that, too. I’ve been waiting all season for the three-time Slam champ to get a head of steam. So far, I’m still waiting. Winner: Wawrinka