French Open 2012: Order of play for Friday June 1

Friday’s order of play at the French Open can be found at the link below.

OOP: Link

Nadal, Murray and Ferrer reach third-round at Roland Garros

Roland Garros—Paris, France

Defending champ Rafael Nadal stormed into the third-round of the French Open on Thursday, defeating Denis Istomin 6-2, 6-2, 6-0. In a match that took one hour and 50 minutes to complete, Nadal struck 25 winners to 17 unforced errors and broke serve on seven occasions. Improving to 47-1 at the tournament, Nadal will next face either Eduardo Schwank or Florian Mayer for a round of 16 berth.

Elsewhere, last year’s semifinalist Andy Murray reached the third-round after overcoming a back injury and a motivated opponent to outlast Jarkko Nieminen, 1-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.

Not at his best to begin the match, Murray used his experience and court awareness to grab his 24th win of the season in two hours and 27 minutes. Murray will next face Santiago Giraldo from Colombia.

Clay court wizard David Ferrer carved up another victory in easy fashion when he defeated Benoit Paire 6-3, 6-3. 6-2. Ferrer, who is attempting to reach his first semifinal at Roland Garros, will next take on Mikhail Youzhny.

In other second-round results, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Nicolas Almagro, Juan Monaco, Milos Raonic and Fabio Fognini all advanced.

The match of the day featured Paul-Henri Mathieu defeating No. 10 seed John Isner in five hours and 41 minutes, 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 18-16.

Raonic reaches third round at Roland Garros

Montreal, May 31, 2012 – After reaching the second round at Roland-Garros for the first time, Milos Raonic (Thornhill, ON) tried to extend his stay in Paris on Thursday as he took on American Jesse Levine for a place in the third round.

Raonic, seeded no. 19 in the tournament, was the favourite heading into his match against Levine, who is ranked no. 131 on the ATP World Tour rankings. The last Canadian man still alive in the Roland-Garros singles draw hit 40 winners and served 16 aces en route to a 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 victory. Raonic won 89 percent of his first serve points and was broken only once in the match. He advanced to the third round for the second time in Grand Slam play this season.

Raonic will next take on world no. 15 Juan Monaco of Argentina. It will be the first meeting between the two players and both have won two titles this year.

Trimming the fat at the French Open: Upsets and Predictions

by: Lyra Pappin

Sorry France, you’ve gained some weight.

Paris is fat with tennis. Qualifiers, players, champions past and present, plus journalists, bloggers, fans and friends – all swelling under the French sun and rain, all waiting to see who will chomp their way through the Roland Garros diet of clay, grit, grunts and cramps.

In the packed courts that will soon look starved, players will be shrunk and shed through the long days of mental and physical strain over the next two weeks, until a new piece of history is made.

Rafael Nadal is looking to make history with a record-breaking seventh win at Roland Garros. Roger Federer is looking to add to his record 16 grand slam titles, and with it, a touch more suspense about whether a number one ranking is in the cards. Novak Djokovic is looking to become only the eighth man to hold a Career Grand Slam – in all its consecutive glory.

Everyone else? They’re gritting their teeth and telling themselves there’s a chance.

In the trail of has-beens and never-wases that will be left behind in the red, red dust, no two names have arrived with more surprise, and with more surprising efficiency, than those of Serena and Venus Williams.

History can be made both ways, by wins or losses. For the first time in their medal-packed careers, Serena and Venus are out, in order, in the first and second rounds of a major tennis tournament, respectively. Serena exited a major in the first round for the first time in her career. Venus, held back by Sjogren’s syndrome, a condition that causes fatigue and joint pain, makes her first second round exit at Roland Garros in her career (though she was knocked out in the first round back in 2001).

As the remaining players are left to claw through the clay, with upsets in the books and now on their minds, the season has already served up a more razored edge than usual. After a particularly whiny start to the year, including controversies surrounding the alleged difficulty of the ATP schedule with an accompanying public spat between frenemies Federer and Nadal, and Djokovic’s dramatic vow not to return to Madrid if the blue clay stayed, it’s nice to see the drama return to the courts.

The third round will get off to a crowded start, as rain forced delays in matches through round two. Look for Murray to put a more decisive stamp on a victory over Jarkko Nieminen if there’s any hope for him to rise up through the pack and make a legitimate run at this title.

Milos Raonic, the tall Canadian with the big serve is literally the next big thing in men’s tennis. He continues his crash course toward Nadal, facing American Jesse Levine tomorrow (random fact: Levine was actually born in Ottawa, Canada). Raonic should win handily and looks to pick up important ranking points as he moves through the tournament, en route to one of the biggest matches of his career – a fourth round face-off with likely opponent and six-time Roland Garros champion Nadal. No big deal.

On the women’s side, it’s up to current number one Victoria Azarenka to continue debunking the recent tradition of WTA number ones being non-threats when it counts. With the unpredictable results and musical chairs of winners over the past couple of years in WTA tournaments small and slam, it could still be anyone’s to lose, with defending champion Li Na in the mix, as well as US Open champ Sam Stosur, who is looking to rebound after a disastrous Australian Open showing. Plus, let’s not try to solve a problem without Maria. The number two seed Sharapova hasn’t had much success against Azarenka but you can still see, and hear, her will to fight for another title.

As the rain washed out the day, it took with it a few pretenders and contenders, leaving a slightly more trim set of hopefuls. So the whittling and culling continues until all that’s left is the champion: a lean, mean tennis machine.

Follow Lyra Pappin on Twitter at @lyrapappin.

French Open 2012: Day 5 previews and predictions

by: Tom Cochrane

Day 4 saw Venus Williams join her sister Serena in crashing out of the tournament, the elder sibling losing to Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets.

Day 4 Recap

There was better news for top seed Victoria Azarenka who, after being on the brink of defeat in round 1, zoomed through to the round of 32 for the loss of just 2 games. Ana Ivanovic kept up her good form, whipping Shahar Peer 6-2 6-2, while other women’s seeds to advance on Day 4 included the Italians Errani and Pennetta, and Russian veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova.

There were several women’s seeds who exited the tournament on Day 4, with local star and eighth seed Marion Bartoli the highest ranked casualty. Joining Bartoli on the sidelines were Jie Zheng and Czechs Safarova and Cetkovska.

On the men’s side, Roger Federer overtook Jimmy Connors for the greatest number of Grand Slam men’s singles wins, an astonishing feat given that the third seed could play for another decade if he were to replicate the length of Connors’ career. World number one Novak Djokovic also progressed through to the third round, as did fellow seeds Juan Martin Del Potro, Marin Cilic, Fernando Verdasco and Tomas Berdych, who saw off Frenchman Michael Llodra with an impressive display of power tennis.

Eleventh seed Gilles Simon also booked his spot in the round of 32 on Day 4, the lightly-built Frenchman overcoming the valiant efforts of Brian Baker, who pushed the match to a fifth set but was unable to offer much of a fight in the decider.

Matches of the Day – Day 5

1. Jarkko Nieminen vs. Andy Murray

I had my doubts about Andy Murray coming into the tournament, and it still remains to be seen how he fares against first-class opposition, but the Scot looked very sharp in his opener against Tatsuma Ito. Murray seemed very focused and appeared to be moving well around the court, showing no signs of the back problems that have troubled him in the last month or so.

Nieminen is a tricky opponent, with the left-handed Finn able to swing his serve out wide on the advantage court and set up many points from there. A winner in Sydney earlier this season, Nieminen will put up a decent fight, but Murray will be too strong in this clash. Murray in 3.

2. Grigor Dimitrov vs. Richard Gasquet

Big things have been expected of Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov for a few years now, but so far Dimitrov has been unable to live up to the expectations placed on him, currently languishing at 87 in the world rankings and struggling to win back-to-back matches on the ATP Tour this year. Dimitrov beat Donald Young in the first set, but that’s not much comfort given Young’s similarly poor form this season.

Richard Gasquet knows all about having expectations heaped upon you, the Frenchman having burst onto the tennis scene as a flashy and talented 15 year old. Older and wiser now, Gasquet seems more at ease with his abilities and place in the tennis hierarchy. In front of the patriotic French fans, I think he’ll be too good for Dimitrov. Gasquet in 4. 

3. Marcos Baghdatis vs. Nicolas Almagro

Former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis enjoyed a good win in the opening round, defeating Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela, a two-time quarter-finalist at Roland Garros. Best known for his abilities on fast surfaces, I think Baghdatis will struggle against a man who makes his the vast majority of his living on the red dirt, Nicolas Almagro.

Almagro has once again been in good form on clay this season, last week winning the tournament in Nice, and I’m backing the Spaniard to go deep into this tournament. Baghdatis’ shotmaking creativity might steal him a set or even 2, but Almagro will be too fit and too strong down the stretch. Almagro in 4.

4. Jarmila Gajdosova vs. Caroline Wozniacki

As Jarmila Gajdosova herself put it, she has never beaten Caroline Wozniacki, but the previous matches between the pair have always been fairly close. The hard-hitting naturalised Aussie has to be in with a decent chance against the slumping Wozniacki, who appears to have lost some of her consistency so far this season.

As always, Wozniacki will make her opponent earn every point, but the Dane is susceptible to Gajdosova’s power game if it is firing on all cylinders. I’ll back the Dane but I’m not convinced about her ability to go too deep in this tournament. Wozniacki in 3.

5. Paul-Henri Mathieu vs. John Isner

Playing his first Grand Slam match in 18 months, Paul-Henri Mathieu delighted his fans by claiming victory in round 1. The likeable French veteran was once ranked as high as 12 in the world, and has twice made it to the round of 16 in Paris.

But Mathieu faces a formidable opponent in big John Isner and his very big serve. Isner has had some ups and downs this season, but on his good days the American has been very, very good – anyone who can claim wins over Federer and Djokovic in the same season is doing very well. I think Mathieu can snatch a set, but that’s it. Isner in 4.

Put your house on: Maria Sharapova to steamroll her way past Ayumi Morita. The Russian didn’t lost a game in round 1 and I don’t think she’ll be giving away too many in this second round clash.

Upset alert: Talented Dutchman Robin Haase has been threatening to break out at a Grand Slam. He might seize the chance against Mikhail Youzhny, the twenty-seventh seed, in this encounter.

Likely to go the distance: After his 5 set win over Dolgopolov in round 1, I’m predicting Sergiy Stakhovsky will be in for another long afternoon against German veteran Tommy Haas.

That’s it for today. Enjoy the tennis and I’ll be back with another serve tomorrow.

French Open 2012: Order of play for Thursday May 31

Thursday’s order of play at the French Open can be found at the link below.

Link: OOP

Federer breaks Conners’ grand slam winning mark in Paris; Djokovic reaches third-round

Roland Garros—Paris, France

Former world No. 1 and 16-time major winner Roger Federer broke a tie with Jimmy Conners for the most grand slam matches won (234) with a four set victory over Adrian Ungur at the French Open on Wednesday.

Losing a set but advancing 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-3, Federer converted on his first match point after Ungur struck a backhand wide. Slamming 15 aces while winning 78 percent of his first serve points, Federer never lost his serve during the two hour and 26 minute match.

Federer will next face either Nicolas Mahut or Martin Klizan.

Top seed Novak Djokovic cruised into the third round after dismissing Blaz Kavcic, 6-0, 6-4, 6-4.

Losing his serve on one occasion, Djokovic hit 41 winners to 34 unforced errors during his 32nd victory of the season. The Serb will continue his quest for his fourth straight major when he faces Nicolas Devilder in the third-round. The Frenchman is ranked 286 in the world.

Other winners on Wednesday included Tomas Berdych, Juan Martin del Potro, Marin Cilic, Gilles Simon, Fernando Verdasco, Stanislas Wawrinka, Andreas Seppi and Kevin Anderson.

Thursday’s action in Paris will feature Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, David Ferrer and John Isner.

French Open 2012: Day 4 preview and predictions

by: Tom Cochrane

Serena Williams is out of the French Open, losing to unheralded Frenchwoman Virginia Razzano in what is the American’s first ever loss in the opening round of a Grand Slam.

Day 3 Recap

Williams appeared to be cruising when she led Razzano by a set and 5-1 in the second set tiebreaker. But a line call overrule saw Serena lose concentration and the tiebreaker. Tears ensued, and the American was quickly down 5-0 in the deciding set.

A brief fightback saw Williams win 3 games in a row before a marathon ninth game of the final set. Williams threatened to get back on serve, but Razzano held her nerve and finally converted her eighth match point for a momentous victory.

The biggest beneficiary of Williams’ loss is likely to be Maria Sharapova, who was drawn to face the American in the quarter-finals. Sharapova got her campaign off to a sizzling start, not dropping a game against the Romanian Cadantu. Petra Kvitova, Caroline Wozniacki and Francesca Schiavone had similarly straightforward victories, while fellow seeds Maria Kirilenko and Julia Goerges also advanced on Day 3.

Rafael Nadal got his campaign for a seventh French Open title off to a strong start, cruising to victory over Simone Bolelli. Andy Murray had a good win over Tatsuma Ito, while other big names in the men’s game registering wins on Day 3 included David Ferrer, Richard Gasquet and Janko Tipsarevic, who saw off the dangerous Sam Querrey.

Mikhail Youzhny overcame American veteran James Blake, while Frenchman Jeremy Chardy thrilled the Parisian crowd with an incredible victory over Yen-Hsun Lu, Chardy claiming victory 11-9 in the fifth set.

Matches of the Day – Day 4

1. Gilles Simon vs. Brian Baker

Simon was rather lucky to eke out a 4 set victory over the talented Ryan Harrison in round 1, the American failing to serve out the second set and take a 2 sets to love lead. From there, Simon was able to control proceedings as the volatile Harrison drifted mentally.

Simon now faces another talented American in comeback kid Brian Baker. A finalist in the boys’ singles at Roland Garros a decade ago, Baker has been besieged by injuries but put together a stirring run to the final in Nice last week and backed it up with a good opening round win in Paris. I think Simon will be too strong over the best of 5 sets format, but look for Baker to steal a set or two. Simon in 4.

2. Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Venus Williams

With sister Serena crashing out of the tournament in the first round, the pressure is on Venus Williams to do the family proud at this year’s French Open. Venus looked a bit rusty in her opening match, dropping the first set before regrouping to win in 3, and the American will need to ramp her game up by several levels if she is to upset Radwanska in this clash.

Radwanska has had a superb start to 2012, claiming multiple titles and establishing herself as one of the big names on the WTA Tour. If this match were being played on grass or even hard-courts, I’d give Venus a decent shot at victory, but on clay Radwanska has to be the favourite. She is more match-fit than Williams and is full of confidence at the moment. Radwanska in 3. 

3. Cedrik-Marcel Stebe vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Young German Cedrik-Marcel Stebe is a natural born shotmaker, who has a great deal of upside to his game. The left-hander rocketed up the rankings in 2011, but is having a tougher time in 2012 as he plays more ATP Tour events and less of the second-tier events. Clay isn’t his strongest surface, but I still expect him to put up a good showing in this match.

Tsonga was a bit shaky early on against Kuznetsov in round 1, but the Frenchman composed himself and played well in the latter stages of the match. Tsonga should have too much experience and power for the German, but this won’t be an easy match by any means. Tsonga in 4.

4. Michael Llodra  vs. Tomas Berdych

Frenchman Michael Llodra always seems to produce his best tennis in front of the French fans, whether it’s in Paris or other tournaments in France, or in Davis Cup play. The serve-and-volleying veteran faces a huge task today in trying to upset Tomas Berdych, a former semi-finalist in Paris, but the ultra-competitive Frenchman will make the Czech earn his victory.

Berdych has played well in Paris and in the past and is a good enough player to go deep into the tournament. Against the biggest names in the men’s game, Berdych has the potential to win, although he needs the breaks to go his way. Still, he needs to focus on winning these early rounds before focusing on any blockbuster clashes later in the tournament. Berdych in 4.

5. Shahar Peer vs. Ana Ivanovic

Former top 20 player Shahar Peer has a formidable record at Roland Garros, having made the round of 16 on 3 occasions. The Israelite’s form has fallen away in recent seasons, with her ranking now hovering in the mid-fifties. But she will still be confident of putting up a good showing against former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic.

The Serb looked in tremendous touch in her first round win, and this year she looks fitter than I have seen her in several years. That has led to more success on-court and more confidence, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the former world number one break back into the top 10 later in the year. Ivanovic in 2.

Put your house on: Roger Federer to see off Romania’s Adrian Ungur. The unheralded Romanian upset David Nalbandian in round 1, but he is unlikely to repeat the feat against the third seed.

Upset alert: After being taken to 5 sets by Thomaz Bellucci, twenty-eighth seed Viktor Troicki now faces Fabio Fognini, a quarter-finalist in Paris last year who has been described as a “tennis weasel”.

Likely to go the distance: Former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero is sure to push twenty-first seed Marin Cilic all the way in this encounter.

That’s it for today. Enjoy the tennis and I’ll be back with another serve tomorrow.

Nadal, Murray and Ferrer reach second round at Roland Garros

Roland Garros—Paris France

Defending champ and six-time winner Rafael Nadal breezed into the second-round of the French Open on Tuesday, defeating hard-hitting Italian Simone Bolelli, 6-2 6-2 6-1.

Needing less than two hours to advance, Nadal began his campaign in strong fashion by striking 20 winners and breaking his opponent’s serve on seven of nine occasions. Improving to 46-1 at Roland Garros and 150-21 at Grand Slams, Nadal has never lost in the first-round of a major.

Vying for his seventh title in eight appearances, Nadal will next face Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan.

Last year’s semifinalist Andy Murray was made to work in the second set but overcame a determined Tatsuma Ito to advance, 6-1, 7-5, 6-0. Murray, who entered Roland Garros with a back injury, Murray will next face Jarkko Nieminen.

Elsewhere, clay-court grinders David Ferrer and Nicolas Almagro prevailed in straight sets on Day 3 action. Ferrer, who has never made the semifinals in Paris, dispatched Lukas Lacko 6-3, 6-4, 6-1. Ferrer will next face Benoit Paire for a berth in the third-round. World No. 13 Almagro, who is coming off a victory in Nice, defeated Paolo Lorenzi, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.

In other first round winners, Janko Tipsarevic, Richard Gasquet, Florian Mayer and Tommy Haas all advanced.

Wednesday’s order of play in Paris will feature Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

French Open 2012: Order of play for Wednesday May 30, 2012

Wednesday’s order of play at the French Open can be found at the link below.

Link: OOP

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