Its Day 7 now at the French, and we are nearly halfway through the year's second grand slam. The day is up to grabs again, as the men and women of the ATP and WTA ready themselves for a new day of opportunity and glory.
The same, albeit intriguing, narratives are there to pursue, or re-pursue—there's Rafael Nadal's recent woes, a Djokovic and Del Potro epic-in-the-making locked at one set all and the continued progress of Maria Sharapova, as she seeks her first French Open title.
Many fine matches are on the board today, and these are just the highlights.
Rafael Nadal vs Antonio Veic (Court Philippe Chartrier (CPC), Match 2)
Anything involving his Majesty Rafael Nadal king of clay is going to excite the senses, and this is no different. It seems we are drawn to Nadal nowadays for a slightly different purpose—to explore that tantalising vulnerability he has suggested of late. As tough an opponent as Anotnio Veic proposes to be, however, a Davydenko as he might have been, one would expect insurmountably tough opposition from the Spaniard today.
Yanina Wickmayer vs Agnieska Radwanska (Court Suzanne Lenglen, Match 4)
If one should look out for a women’s dogfight today Wickmayer and Radwanska will likely be the most suitable candidates for one—both hard hitting, talented, albeit arguably at best second-rate hitters, who should out on a fine hitting show, and a long one at that.
Ivan Ljubicic vs Fernando Verdasco (Court 1, Match 3)
While there are several big-time matches in Day 7 on the men’s side, this one, should it live up to its billing, should not fall short of the very best. A fascinating contrast of styles seems proffered, with the big serving Ljubicic playing with that one-strike, glorious one-handed gusto, while Verdasco, our mini-Nadal, will be hoping for grinding rallies ended at length by that murderous winner. Ljubicic’s run of form here of late should see more sets than three.
Maria Sharapova vs Yung-Jan Chan (CPC, Match 4)
This should be a cruise on paper, but so did Sharapova-Garcia, which turned out nearly the changing of the guard moment in this tournament. While Sharapova’s 11-game run there found herself victorious, she would be wary of Chan, at a time when just about any unknown seems to be capable of some superstar tennis. Will Sharapova win this year’s French Open? Our search for an answer continues today.
Mardy Fish vs Gilles Simon (CPC, Match 3)
On paper this seems an even juicier affair than Ljubicic-Verdasco, and should be. Fish possesses a wonderful serve, and Simon some unworldly defensive skills, which should for what their worth provide a dynamic contrast. With Fsih just about he last American standing, much is on his shoulders, but greater burdens lie on Simon’s, as one of the local French favourites.
Novak Djokovic vs Juan Martin Del Potro (Court Suzanne Lenglen, Match 3)
Is the Roland Garros organising committee secretly trying to find ways for Djokovic to lose? Well, rigging the draw and having him play Del Potro was a good start—and, adding to that, putting them in the last match on Court Philippe Chartrier yesterday.
Already at one set apiece, they will now play a regular best-of-three set match to decide the winner. It has been a cracker so far—with Del Potro, perhaps auspiciously, taking his first set ever off Djokovic in the second—and hopefully this match’s original billing as an epic carries on today. It won’t be getting any easier too—and here the RG team may have some glorious story in mind, because the winner of this match will face Richard Gasquet, and likely, tomorrow, at that.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/715494-french-open-2011
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