Cobolli, meanwhile, is learning on the hoof. This is the second Grand Slam quarterfinal of his career so he is still getting used to the nerves and the excitement that goes with getting deep into the second week. He said that he was struggling to close out his previous match because he was so desperately nervous (he put it in slightly less elegant terms).
But having overcome that hurdle, the Italian hopes that the experience will make him better prepared for the high-tension moments on Wednesday.
“It’s my first time [in the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros] and the experience is not high,” he said. “Sometimes you have to pass this moment to have more chance to be better on the next one.
“I think when the match is almost done, you start to think of it, and that’s the problem with my character: I don’t like to think a bit. I just want to play; play my best tennis possible. But if I think, especially if I’m nervous, I start to play a different tennis.”
Experience may just edge it for Auger-Aliassime but it may not. Either way, it should be a fabulous match to watch.
Court Philippe-Chatrier, first match
Anna Kalinskaya (22) v Maja Chwalinska (POL)
Anna Kalinskaya has taken a new approach to the clay-court swing this year: she is taking it easy. Sure enough, she still practises hard and long and she puts in all the work but she is giving herself a break mentally.
“I just take this clay season very easy mentally,” she said. “I don’t put too much pressure to do well. I guess it helps. Of course, I practise all the same, and every year I feel more comfortable on clay with the experience, but I didn’t have any expectations on clay for myself. I’m just happy where I am. Thinking two weeks ago that I will be here, I wouldn’t believe. I would probably laugh with my team. Here I am, so I will try to enjoy and just do my best, and let’s see what’s going to happen.”
So far, her attitude to life is paying dividends but now she faces Maja Chwalinska who has a completely different outlook. The Pole’s goal at the start of the year was to crack the top 100 and coming here as the No.114, she is now projected to be in the top 50 even if she does not win another match. Now working with a new fitness coach, she is on the up. “I need time to get used to the new training,” she said. “But I felt like I’m improving a lot. It just allowed me to be much more aggressive on the court. Also, keep the intensity more than before.”
As for the future, she is very clear: “I’m like an underdog. No one really knows me. I’m very grateful for this moment, but I definitely want more.”
Court Philippe-Chatrier, second match
Aryna Sabalenka (1) v Diana Shnaider (25)
On Monday night, Aryna Sabalenka threw down the gauntlet. In a statement clash – the first women’s match held in the night session at this Roland-Garros – the current world No.1 beat the former world No.1, Naomi Osaka, in straight sets. She nailed it with power and with style. The result said it all: if you want this trophy, ladies, you are going to have to get past me.
With four Grand Slam titles already in her collection, she has vast experience of weathering the storms and squalls that blow up at major championships. Her method of coping is simply to focus on what she can control – and that is her game and her strengths.
As she explained: “I remember when I won my first Grand Slam, all I was telling myself was that if I will be able to bring my fight, if I’ll be there, trying to do my best with what I have at the moment, I’ll have my opportunities. That basically was my mindset when I won the first Grand Slam.
“So at this stage every time I’m just trying to focus on myself and making sure when I’m there competing, I’m fighting and doing everything I can with what I have at the moment. Because sometimes you have great days; sometimes you feel like nothing is working and you have to fight. That’s my mindset: it’s basically that I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get this beautiful trophy.”
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