2011 French Open

[Quiet Speed]

There are a lot of good story lines for us in this year's Open. Novak Djokovic is on a great run and may collide with Nadal in the finals who can possibly tie Bjorn Borg with six French Open titles. Kim Cjilsters is going for a third consecutive major title. In a shocking development Maria Sharapova won the Italian Open leading up to this year's open. Eyes will be on Roger Federer to gauge his status at this point in his career.

Nadal opens up against the 6‘-9'' John Isner, should be a piece of cake on the clay surface unless Isner gets into some kind of zone on his serve.<h1>
</h1><h1>Nadal Kicks Off Tough Draw Against Isner</h1>
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<div>AP Maria Sharapova
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Russia's Maria Sharapova listens to reporters... <a>View Full Caption</a>
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Kim Clijsters
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Edited by: Quiet Speed

 

[Don Wassall]

Clijsters is out in the second round, losing to 20 year old Dutch opponent Arantxa Rus, ranked 114th in the world. Kim was up 6-3 5-2 with 2 match points, then her game completely fell apart and she lost 11 of the next 12 games with the match ending up 6-3 5-7 1-6. A shocker, but it isn't the first time I've seen her game suddenly go south in a big way.

 

[Deadlift]

Tsonga is a goner!! Wawrinka had SUPERIOR ENDURANCE..

 

[Don Wassall]

Number one seed Caroline Wozniacki follows Clijsters out. Stoser also lost, and Maria almost did yesterday. The babes' side of the draw (easy torefer to it as thatwith no ugly Williams sisters in the tournament) is full of upsets, while on the men's side things are predictable thus far.

 

[Quiet Speed]

Her are the men's and women's draw as they now stand. As Don has mentioned much damage has been done in the women's field.

Men's

<div id="drawTable"><table id="match1" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">Rafael NadalESP(1)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Ivan LjubicicCRO</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></t></table><table id="match2" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">
Gilles SimonFRA(18)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Robin SoderlingSWE(5)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></t></table><a href="http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/draws/ms/r3s1.html" target="_blank">
</a></div><div id="drawTable"><table id="match1" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">Andy MurrayGBR(4)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Viktor TroickiSRB(15)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></t></table><table id="match2" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">
Alejandro FallaCOL</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Juan Ignacio ChelaARG</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></t></table></div>
<div id="drawTable"><table id="match1" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">David FerrerESP(7)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Gael MonfilsFRA(9)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></t></table><table id="match2" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">
Stanislas WawrinkaSUI(14)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Roger FedererSUI(3)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></t></table></div>
<table id="match1" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">Fabio FogniniITA</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Albert MontanesESP</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></t></table><table id="match2" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">
Richard GasquetFRA(13)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Novak DjokovicSRB(2)</td></tr></t></table>

Women's

<div id="drawTable"><table id="match1" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">Daniela HantuchovaSVK(28)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24">
</td><td width="24">
</td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Svetlana KuznetsovaRUS(13)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
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</td></tr></t></table><table id="match2" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">
Marion BartoliFRA(11)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24">
</td><td width="24">
</td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Gisela DulkoARG</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></t></table>
<a href="http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/draws/ws/r3s1.html" target="_blank">
</a></div><div id="drawTable"><table id="match1" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">Vera ZvonarevaRUS(3)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24">
</td><td width="24">
</td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Anastasia PavlyuchenkovaRUS(14)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></t></table><table id="match2" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">
Jelena JankovicSRB(10)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24">
</td><td width="24">
</td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Francesca SchiavoneITA(5)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></t></table>

</div><div id="drawTable"><table id="match1" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">Na LiCHN(6)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24">
</td><td width="24">
</td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Petra KvitovaCZE(9)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></t></table><table id="match2" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">
Ekaterina MakarovaRUS</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24">
</td><td width="24">
</td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Victoria AzarenkaBLR(4)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></t></table></div>
<div id="drawTable"><table id="match1" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">Maria SharapovaRUS(7)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24">
</td><td width="24">
</td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Agnieszka RadwanskaPOL(12)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></t></table><table id="match2" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="345"><t><tr height="16"><td colspan="3" summary="">
Andrea PetkovicGER(15)</td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24"></td><td width="24">
</td><td width="24">
</td></tr><tr height="16"><td width="42">v</td><td align="right" width="148"></td><td width="35"></td><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr height="16"><td colspan="3">Maria KirilenkoRUS(25)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></t></table></div>

 

[j41181]

Don't look now, but Li Na just blasted past a very erratic Kvitova towards the quarterfinals 2-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Kvitova looked to make up for her awful 2nd set effort by going 3-0 in the final set, but never held serve again, which led to a 6-0 rally from the Chinese. Li Na may only be the Non-White left in the women's side, but she looks really formidable at the moment.

The only women left with Grand Slam wins are Sharapova, Kuznetsova, and Schiavone, of which the former 2 haven't been at their best for years now. The rest of the European women are questionable.

Gael Monfils is also the only non-white left in the men's side. Edited by: j41181

 

[Deadlift]

The Tennis Channel's live coverage of Ferrer/Monfils was nauseating! They acted like Monfils won the whole darn Tourny.. and the one guy said, "We need more players like him (Monfils). What an expressive face!"

Since Ferrer battled, but eventually lost the match, I'm really hoping that Roger Federer can finish him off. This match will be important to Feds legacy and his position in tennis.

 

[foobar75]

The Tennis Channel's live coverage of Ferrer/Monfils was nauseating! They acted like Monfils won the whole darn Tourny.. and the one guy said, "We need more players like him (Monfils). What an expressive face!"

Since Ferrer battled, but eventually lost the match, I'm really hoping that Roger Federer can finish him off. This match will be important to Feds legacy and his position in tennis.

Deadlift, I'm not sure what you're saying here. This match has absolutely no bearing at all on Federer's legacy. His position in tennis history as the greatest player ever is secure. A possible loss to a bit-player like Monfils will not change that in any way. Of course, I hope that Federer takes care of business tomorrow.

Monfils is a non-factor in men's tennis, despite being a media darling for all the obvious reasons. He's only got a QF and SF in the French Open to his name, and a QF in the US Open last year, in which he was throughly destroyed by Djokovic. He needs to get past Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal, in that order, to win the French Open. Those are the top 3 players in the world, and the chances of that happening are zero.
Edited by: foobar75

 

[Matra1]

SPOILER in this post!

Both John McEnroe and Brad Gilbert have called Monfils the "best pure athlete in tennis". Jim Courier went one better calling him the best pure athlete in tennis history. We are told that Monfils could play basketball. (Why so many Americans think basketball requires more athleticism than other sports is something I've never figured out). Anyway, the sport's Greatest Pure Athlete is currently trailing two sets to love to "has been" "over the hill" Roger Federer.

Edited by: Matra1

 

[Don Wassall]

While watching the Tennis Channel's coverage of the tournament, I've seen four tennis playersfeatured incommercials -- Federer and Murray, two of the top players; and Monfils and Tsonga, who have virtually zero chance of ever winning a major, especially Monfils. But both are blessed with the athleticism, wonderful smiles, and charisma that White athletes sadly and mysteriously lack.

 

[darthvader]

The matchup between federer and djokovic should be a classic at least I hope. I'm hoping that it will better than the wimbledon final between federer and nadal in 08. Djokovic is at a stage where everything he hits is like a missile and he is hitting his target. Federer is going to have to keep the points short the best he can. Any rally that goes past 8-9 shots he is not going to win. Groudstroke for groundstroke federer cannot match up with djokovic right now. Nor with nadal for that matter. The serve and volley is going to be key for federer.

 

[foobar75]

Federer vs Djokovic could indeed be a classic, or a straight-set victory by Novak. Federer has not dropped a set so far in the tournament, and Djokovic's performance in 2011 speaks for itself. I'm hoping for a 5-setter, and really do not have a rooting interest. Two superb white players are going at it, so it's a win-win.

However, I do believe Federer has a chance to redefine his legacy in the next few ways. There's still a minority of critics who question whether he's truly the best of all-time. If he can defeat Djokovic Friday, and then beat Nadal (presumably) in the final to win the French Open, I think his status will shoot to the moon.

 

[Don Wassall]

Yep, hopefully the stage has been set for at least two epic matches. I like the way Djokovic has upped his game and separated himself from Nadal and Federer, so I'd like to see him continue his near record-breaking win streak, but I'll also be happy if Nadal or Federer wins the championship.

 

[j41181]

Calling Monfils the "most athletically gifted" player in tennis history is an insult to two players who truly deserve that claim...

Pete Sampras (14 Grand Slams, 90's SLAM DUNKS)
Rafael Nadal (9 Grand Slams & counting, Freakish Athlete)

I'm glad Federer trounced this overrated Frenchy in straight sets. Great way to lose to someone who's "old."

Monfils has 0.01% chance of winning at least 1 Grand Slam. Way to make a fool of yourself, Jim Courier!

 

[j41181]

I don't who among Federer, Djokovic, or Nadal wins as along as either of them takes it. I think Djokovic has the best shot at the moment, he's been on fire since the start of this tennis season. I'm also hoping Andy Murray can win also, to prove he's no Tim Henman.

 

[j41181]

Nadal and Murray advance, while Sharapova will face Li Na in the semi finals.

 

[j41181]

I somehow was expecting this, though part of me hoped to be wrong. Li Na trounces usually erratic Sharapova to reach her 2nd consecutive Grand Slam Final this year. Sharapova double faulted her last serve to lose.

I can't see how Bartoli or Schiavone can beat the Chinese, who's enjoying
renewed momentum towards becoming the 1st Asian female to win a tennis Grand Slam. It's becoming the "biggest news" again in tennis.

 

[Don Wassall]

It was windy today, but Sharapova's second serve was poor the entire tournament, the worst I've ever seen from an elite pro player.

 

[foobar75]

We're setting up for blockbuster Friday on the men's side. The top 4 have advanced to semis and there are so many subplots here:

1. Murray looking for his first GS win
2. Nadal looking to tie Borg with win #6 at Roland Garros
3. Federer looking for GS #17 and to prove he's still a major factor in the men's game
4. And finally, Djokovic looking to continue his unbeaten streak in 2011 and claim the #1 spot in the world.

Not sure who I'd root for here. Feder vs Nadal in the finals would be incredible. So would Murray vs Djokovic for the second straight GS final. Or, Murray vs Federer in a rematch from Melbourne '10. Or, Nadal trying to beat Djokovic after 4 straight losses.

I'm waking up bright and early to catch all the action, should be some great tennis coming our way!!!

 

[Deadlift]

Djokovic was playing like there was a threat hanging over him.. very disappointing "performance."

 

[Don Wassall]

Federer had to up his game to beat Djokovic, and did. I didn't see the first two sets, which Federer won, but Djokovic played great in the third and fourth sets and still lost. Nadal vs. Federer, what a match it should be!

 

[Bart]

Federer had to up his game to beat Djokovic, and did.  I didn't see the first two sets, which Federer won, but Djokovic played great in the third and fourth sets and still lost.  Nadal vs. Federer, what a match it should be!

Wow!

I was hoping Federer would win, but didn't think he would as Djokovic has been on an incredible roll.

Of course, Nadal who is very tough on clay is a huge obstacle standing in the way of Roger and another Major.

 

[Quiet Speed]

This is one of the few times I wish I hadn't cut the cord, as they say, from cable TV. I now have to locate a decent stream of the match. NBC Sports will stream it, but for some reason their picture quality is horrible. May be my set-up.

I know it is old news, but Roger has got to figure out a way to deal with the Nadal forehand to his backhand. The amount of spin generated by Nadal on that shot and the resulting bounce (especially on the clay) must be a pain in the a$$. The ball gets up high and with a one-handed backhand it's doubly tough. I'd like to say step in and take the ball on the rise, but that might be cutting your own throat when trying to time a ball with a ridiculous amount of revolutions per minute. I'm hoping for a classic match. I guess Mr. Bjorn Borg will be in attendance.

Edited by: Quiet Speed

 

[j41181]

I'm looking forward to this rematch (8th meeting), it's already one of the best rivalry in all of sports. Not exactly one sided since Roger beat Nadal twice at Wimbledon, while Nadal beat him 5 times (3 times at French Open).

Nadal's groundstrokes are some of the best I've ever seen in tennis, to go with a vastly improved net and volleying game. One of Nadal's greatest asset besides his "athletic prowess", is his lefty stance, which causes lots of problems for right-handed players. Federer will need to get most of his 1st serves in, and hope his one-hand backhand find their spots.

 

[foobar75]

It was an incredible showing by Federer today, who decided to turn back the clock about 4 years and played one of his best matches in quite a while. The serve was working well, and both the fore/back hands gave Djokovic a lot of trouble. I definitely did not expect a Federer victory in 4 sets. There were some epic battles in there, some points took numerous deuces to decide, and Novak almost forced a fifth set.

The crowd was squarely behind Federer, and as the announcers said, it felt like a Davis Cup match where Djokovic was on the road. I suspect he'll get a similar treatment on Sunday.

Normally, when two white players meet, I just sit back and enjoy because it's a win-win. However, I'll be disappointed if Federer does not win it all. Nadal has owned him, especially on clay, and he's clearly the underdog, so I'll be rooting for him. It's a huge challenge and I'm not sure he can pull it off, but hoping for a great match, unlike 2008 when Nadal beat him in straight sets. A victory over Nadal in his prime to win the French Open will completely cement Federer's legacy as the G.O.A.T.

BTW, f*ck NBC for tape delaying today's match on the West Coast. Who cares about the stupid Today show?