French Open

RosyLily

2nd Grand Slam of 2011. Clay....a surface some players can't seem to master.

The draws were made earlier today. Very interesting matches. Defending champion and Number 1 seed Nadal will play John Isner in his first round match. He also has Murray (possible SF opponent?), Malisse, Verdasco, Soderling (poss. QF), Almagro and Melzer in his half of the draw.

Djokovic, who is on a major roll (and many people's pick), plays Thiemo de Bakker in the first round and has Ferrer, Berdych (poss. QF), del Potro, Gasquet and Federer (poss. SF?) in his half.

Federer has a tough opener in Feliciano Lopez whereas Andy Murray will play a qualifier. Men's draw is looking very good. Will be interesting to see if Djokovic can keep up his form in 5 sets.

As for the Women's Draw, defending champion Francesca Schiavone will play American Melanie Oudin in the first round and has Jelena Jankovic, Pennetta and Zvonareva in her quarter- potential SF opponent could be Wozniacki.

Speaking of Caroline, she will play Japanese veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm in the first round. She could play Sam Stosur in the quarter's.

Sharapova, the winner of Italian Open, seems to be finding her feet on clay this year. She has a tough quarter with Clijsters, Petkovic and Wickmayer in her quarter; she might have Azarenka or Li in the SF. Maria will play her first round match against Mijana Lucic.

Source Source

Paddy Power have Nadal at even odds, followed by Djokovic, Murray (why?), Federer and Ferrer. Schiavone is 16/1 to retain the title. Wozniacki and Azarenka are favourites at 5/1, followed by Sharapova (11/2), Zvonareva (9/1), Kvitova and Clijsters (both 10/1), and Stosur (11/1)

Should be a really good tournament. It all kicks off Sunday 22nd on Eurosport. Can't wait!:D

Mo14

Really looking forward to this, my money's definitely on Djokovic, hope he can keep his roll up, it's great to see.
Anyone know do BBC usually broadcast the French? I have to do without Eurosport at the moment and I'd prefer tv to internet streams.

the_monkey

Nadal gets an easy draw as usual - Djokovic gets a really tough one - typical stitch up as usual - don't know why the French love Nadal so much.

Rjd2

RosyLily wrote: »

2nd Grand Slam of 2011. Clay....a surface some players can't seem to master.

The draws were made earlier today. Very interesting matches. Defending champion and Number 1 seed Nadal will play John Isner in his first round match. He also has Murray (possible SF opponent?), Malisse, Verdasco, Soderling (poss. QF), Almagro and Melzer in his half of the draw.

Djokovic, who is on a major roll (and many people's pick), plays Thiemo de Bakker in the first round and has Ferrer, Berdych (poss. QF), del Potro, Gasquet and Federer (poss. SF?) in his half.

Federer has a tough opener in Feliciano Lopez whereas Andy Murray will play a qualifier. Men's draw is looking very good. Will be interesting to see if Djokovic can keep up his form in 5 sets.

As for the Women's Draw, defending champion Francesca Schiavone will play American Melanie Oudin in the first round and has Jelena Jankovic, Pennetta and Zvonareva in her quarter- potential SF opponent could be Wozniacki.

Speaking of Caroline, she will play Japanese veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm in the first round. She could play Sam Stosur in the quarter's.

Sharapova, the winner of Italian Open, seems to be finding her feet on clay this year. She has a tough quarter with Clijsters, Petkovic and Wickmayer in her quarter; she might have Azarenka or Li in the SF. Maria will play her first round match against Mijana Lucic.

Source Source

Paddy Power have Nadal at even odds, followed by Djokovic, Murray (why?), Federer and Ferrer. Schiavone is 16/1 to retain the title. Wozniacki and Azarenka are favourites at 5/1, followed by Sharapova (11/2), Zvonareva (9/1), Kvitova and Clijsters (both 10/1), and Stosur (11/1)

Should be a really good tournament. It all kicks off Sunday 22nd on Eurosport. Can't wait!:D

Astounded that people (not yourself) think that Isner has a chance in that game, any other surface maybe, but clay? He will be battered. The quarter looks comfortable really. Soderling has been very average since he split from his coach and Verdasco the other supposed challanger from the quarter has been absolute **** all year. Seriously I watched this lad 6-2 5-4, 40-0 love up against Soderling the other week, lose.:eek::pac:


Murray is one of the favs simply due to his performance the other week. I expect him to implode against Dolgopolov or Almagro.

Novak's draw is obviously the hardest though, Del Potro in the third round is just cruel. Juan looked really good on clay before he got injured in Madrid.

I haven't looked to much at the ladies side, I will be keeping an eye on Kvitova, girl has been immense this year in big competitions and she tore Azrenka apart a few weeks ago so she is to be feared. Interesting to see how Julia Goerges does as well.

I'm expecting Schiavone to exit very early, she has been mediocre all season sadly. Zvonareva and Kuznetsova will probably not do a lot here either, both have been dire recently.

Azarenka obviously is favorite but watching Kvitova deal with her very comfortably a few weeks ago I am not convinced. Her winning streak was impressive but their wasn't to much quality players defeated bu her on it. Also she breaks down way to much as well.

MisterAnarchy

the_monkey wrote: »

Nadal gets an easy draw as usual - Djokovic gets a really tough one - typical stitch up as usual - don't know why the French love Nadal so much.

The draw does look seriously lopsided.
Djokovic and Federer have by far the tougher draw.

Clijsters (both 10/1)

She is worth a punt at that .She is experienced and one of the few top woman players with a decent temperament.
The standard of womens tennis is dreadful.

RosyLily

Rjd2 wrote: »

Astounded that people (not yourself) think that Isner has a chance in that game, any other surface maybe, but clay? He will be battered.

Completely agree there. Isner hasn't a hope against Nadal. Hasn't been a decent American clay player in years!

Rjd2 wrote: »

Murray is one of the favs simply due to his performance the other week. I expect him to implode against Dolgopolov or Almagro.

Murray will never win French Open. I was really surprised to see that he was rated so high in bookies....they obviously haven't a clue! He's been well below average this year.

Rjd2 wrote: »

Novak's draw is obviously the hardest though, Del Potro in the third round is just cruel. Juan looked really good on clay before he got injured in Madrid.

Agreed. Both Novak and Federer have pretty tough draws. del Potro is looking almost back to his best. Can't wait to see him on summer hardcourts.

Rjd2 wrote: »

Azarenka obviously is favorite but watching Kvitova deal with her very comfortably a few weeks ago I am not convinced. Her winning streak was impressive but their wasn't to much quality players defeated bu her on it. Also she breaks down way to much as well.

I expect Kvitova to do really well at F.O. She's improving and is a real danger to everyone.

the_monkey

The fact that Nadal almost lost today actually makes it more likely he will win the whole tournament in my mind, always crawling back always winning matches he has no busniess winning.

Nadal 2011 FO Champion
DONE DEAL

RosyLily

I was pleasantly surprised that Isner took Nadal to five sets...very well done!

I think Sharapova and Clijsters are looking really good, perhaps have the potential to go far or even win the title.

Rjd2

MONUMENTAL chokes from Almagro and Berdych in the last two days...:pac:


Looking at how tricky Isner and Karlovic were to dispose you get the feeling its looking like a hard court...:o



I'm not on the Sharapova bandwagon yet, today she smashed a very ordinary player, nothing special at all. Kvitova and Goerges done the same and nobody is getting half as excited about that. :rolleyes:


On Goerges she has probably the best womens match of tomorrow against the very talented Safrova while Vera Zvonareva who is dire on this surface faces a very unpredictable Lisicki. Jankvovic also has a nasty match with Dushevina as well. I would be shocked if all three favorites in those matches progressed.


The mens side sadly tomorrow doesn't look half as interesting.:(:(

adamski8

heading to the french open this fri, sat and sun. anyone else been? any advice? only thing on my list is booo murray

MisterAnarchy

Seems the new balls are causing some controversy in Paris.

Almagro hit out at the new Babolat balls, which have replaced Dunlop this year, saying: 'I don't like the ball. The balls are very heavy. The courts are the same so I think the reason for the change is the ball.'

Nadal, who is sponsored by Babolat, feels the balls will suit him but joined other top players in voicing concerns about the potential for injuries after using Dunlop for the rest of the clay-court season.

He added: 'I think this ball is better for me in general but it is a dangerous ball because it is a big change. The problem is that the previous ball was not that good.'
"The balls are very, very fast, so it's really difficult to control," second-seeded Novak Djokovic told reporters on Sunday. "Maybe it's going to favour the servers and the big hitters. But you never know. I mean, it still is clay."

"The balls are faster, indeed," said No. 3 Roger Federer. "It might be a bit difficult in the beginning, but in the end, they're not that fast."

Good to see the balls being sped up .

Rjd2

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

Seems the new balls are causing some controversy in Paris.

Good to see the balls being sped up .

What an absolute clown Almagro is, not the balls fault he choked so terribly against a qualifier when he had the game at his mercy so many times.:pac:

Rjd2

Rjd2 wrote: »

On Goerges she has probably the best womens match of tomorrow against the very talented Safrova while Vera Zvonareva who is dire on this surface faces a very unpredictable Lisicki. Jankvovic also has a nasty match with Dushevina as well. I would be shocked if all three favorites in those matches progressed.

:o:o



Vera should have lost 5-2 down in the final set and her opponent choked. Safrova was also in total control a set and break up against Julia but as she does so often like her boyfriend she totally bottled it.


Wasn't impressed with Wozniacki yesterday, she got the job done but she hasn't impressed me on clay this season. You suspect if Stosur brings her A- Game she should be able to blast her off the court.

RosyLily

Clijsters is out!!! :O Beaten in 3 sets, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1, by Arantxa Rus.

Shocked by this, but fantastic play by Rus at the end of 2nd set and the 3rd set.

There goes my pick to win! :P

BazBox

Nadal had a tough one again yesterday, not at his best yet but I would love to see him win, awesome player and I love seeing people go mad when he wins, its brilliant

MisterAnarchy

Wozniacki hammered by Hantuchova ,6-1,6-3,she was 4-0 down in the second set.
Wozniacki had a huge zero winners in the first set.:eek:
It makes a farce of the womens game that she is no 1.

bing3

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

Wozniacki hammered by Hantuchova ,6-1,6-3,she was 4-0 down in the second set.
Wozniacki had a huge zero winners in the first set.:eek:
It makes a farce of the womens game that she is no 1.

To be fair she has been consistent enough in her reign at no 1 so far.
Losing to Hantuchova who is as flaky as it gets though is fairly damning on the womens game.
Hopefully the likes of Rus, Petko, Kvitova and Goerges (damn you bartoli) can start to solidify the division. Plus Zvonareva looks like shes putting it all together..

Great to see the nicest backhands in the game; Gasquet and Wawrinka, winning through.
Federer and Murray look like they're playing with a weight off and Djokovic/DelPo looks set for an epic on resumption.

jcf

How is 1-1 Djokovic Del Potro Djokovics record "seriosuly under threat " ?

bing3

jcf wrote: »

How is 1-1 Djokovic Del Potro Djokovics record "seriosuly under threat " ?

Who said that? Granted Del Potro is still obviously in it, but the break will favour Djokovic in my opinion.

jcf

bing3 wrote: »

Who said that? Granted Del Potro is still obviously in it, but the break will favour Djokovic in my opinion.

BBC ,

It's all part of the ****ing media campaign against him, like the support of Barça . Nadal and Barça are the little media darlings and no one can do anything against them...

RosyLily

Sharapova looking good in her match against Yun-Jan Chan, 5-1 up with Chan serving to stay in the set. I'd be surprised if Masha didn't make the semi-final....at least!

Djokovic's streak still in tact after beating del Potro 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

RosyLily

Zvonareva - gone (to Anastasia Pavlychenkova 6-7, 6-2, 2-6)
Jankovic - gone (to Francesca Schiavone 3-6, 6-2, 4-6)
Dulko - gone (to Marion Bartoli 5-7, 0-1 ret.)
Gasquet - gone (to Novak Djokovic 4-6, 4-6, 2-6)
Montanes - gone (to Fabio Fognini 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 9-11)
Wawrinka - gone (to Roger Federer 3-6, 2-6, 5-7)

Some great matches today, especially that Montanes-Fognini one...didn't know who would win.

David Ferrer-Gael Monfils still going on Suzanne Lenglen 4-6, 6-2, 5-6 in the 3rd. Really good game...might even go to 5 sets!

Daniela Hantuchova - Svetlana Kuznetsova on Court 1- 7-6, 3-6, 2-3. Also a good match.

UPDATE: Kuznetsova beat Hantuchova 6-7, 6-3, 6-2; Play suspended on Ferrer-Monfils with Ferrer 2-0 up in 4th set.

Rjd2

RosyLily wrote: »

Zvonareva - gone (to Anastasia Pavlychenkova 6-7, 6-2, 2-6)
Jankovic - gone (to Francesca Schiavone 3-6, 6-2, 4-6)
Dulko - gone (to Marion Bartoli 5-7, 0-1 ret.)
Gasquet - gone (to Novak Djokovic 4-6, 4-6, 2-6)
Montanes - gone (to Fabio Fognini 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 9-11)
Wawrinka - gone (to Roger Federer 3-6, 2-6, 5-7)

Some great matches today, especially that Montanes-Fognini one...didn't know who would win.

David Ferrer-Gael Monfils still going on Suzanne Lenglen 4-6, 6-2, 5-6 in the 3rd. Really good game...might even go to 5 sets!

Daniela Hantuchova - Svetlana Kuznetsova on Court 1- 7-6, 3-6, 2-3. Also a good match.

UPDATE: Kuznetsova beat Hantuchova 6-7, 6-3, 6-2; Play suspended on Ferrer-Monfils with Ferrer 2-0 up in 4th set.

I watched nearly all of it, Pavlyuchenko was a bit erratic but luckily for her Vera was even worse! Pavly to be fair did show glimpses of class and reaching the quarters at 19 isn't to be laughed at.


Federer and Djokovic were very good but once they won the first sets their opponents gave up the ghost. Both will expect tougher tests in the next week.


Kuznetsova is hitting form after a horror season, she has to fancy her chances in that quarter.

_Bella_

Fognini has withdrawn so Djokovic through to the semis.

Rjd2

Kvitova gone, she was really erratic all morning, glimpses of sheer class from her in the first set and some of the third set but alas it was not to be.
Li Na will be happy but she knows that this was a case of Kvitova losing it rather than her winning it. Azarenka will be delighted with a Li Na quarter final.


Kvitova despite this morning will be a threat for Wimbledon especially if her shoulder issues are cleared up.

RosyLily

Kvitova will definitely be a threat on the grass courts at Wimbledon...looking forward to see what she can do there!

I'd say Montanes is kicking himself after losing the match to Fognini and now Foggy withdraws....rage!!

Nadal up now against Ivan Ljubicic- won the first set and its 3-3 in 2nd, which is going on serve

Johnmb

RosyLily wrote: »

I'd say Montanes is kicking himself after losing the match to Fognini and now Foggy withdraws....rage!!

That's why I've always felt they should do away with injury time outs. If you pick up an injury, and it's too serious for you to get to the next change of ends for treatment, then it's too serious to play on and you concede the match (or at least enough games to get you to the change of ends).

LuckyGent88

Troicki very lucky he won that first set in the end after being 5-0 up.

Rjd2

LuckyGent88 wrote: »

Troicki very lucky he won that first set in the end after being 5-0 up.

Yeah, it looks like he has the second set in the bag although thats more due to Murray playing **** rather than his game.

RosyLily

Johnmb wrote: »

That's why I've always felt they should do away with injury time outs. If you pick up an injury, and it's too serious for you to get to the next change of ends for treatment, then it's too serious to play on and you concede the match (or at least enough games to get you to the change of ends).

Yeah, I don't agree with time outs during games; it disrupts the play and annoys everyone involved. They should just finish the game and have an early change of ends to see what the problem is.

Back to FO discussion, Murray-Troicki will resumed first on Suzanne Lenglen @ 1pm GMT.

Also on today:
Philippe Chatrier: Pavlychenkova - Schiavone; Monfils - Federer; Lindsteadt/Tecau - Mirnyi/Nestor
Suzanne Lenglen: Murray - Troicki; Lipsky/Ram - Llodra/Zimonjic; Kuznetsova - Bartoli; Bryan/Bryan - Bopanna/Qureshi

Play has begun on Court 1 with Womens Doubles. Petrova/Rodionova vs. King/Shevedova- King and Shevedova are 6-5 up and serving for 1st set.

hunter164

Soderling is next for Nadal, does anyone think he has a chance?

jcf

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/13603279.stm

Rafa playing his mind games again, the guy really is a low life.

_Bella_

Djokovic v Federer in the semi-final. Can't wait for it!

jcf

Gwn the Jocker Vics !!!

MisterAnarchy

jcf wrote: »

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/13603279.stm

Rafa playing his mind games again, the guy really is a low life.

Very fair and honest talk from Nadal ,I dont see anything wrong with those comments.
I cant say the same for his blatant on court timewasting though.

the_monkey

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

Very fair and honest talk from Nadal ,I dont see anything wrong with those comments.
I cant say the same for his blatant on court timewasting though.

It is strange tho, Tennis players (or any athlete) will never talk about their weaknesses - unless they have something to gain from it - so he is up to something this is for sure.

BazBox

the_monkey wrote: »

It is strange tho, Tennis players (or any athlete) will never talk about their weaknesses - unless they have something to gain from it - so he is up to something this is for sure.

some hilarious anti-Nadal talk going on in here, he gives an honest interview so clearly he must be up to something!! The man is a legend of the sport he plays yet people seem to hate him(fair enough he does waste time between points and clearly needs to stop picking at his jocks, but they're tiny annoyances in fairness). Him, Federer, Djokovic and to a lesser extent Del Potro and Murray all make tennis great to watch I think he deserves a lot more respect.

anyway, rant over really looking forward to Djokovic vs. Federer, Djokovic is on fire at the moment and to be honest I think he will win the French open outright, he's just too good at the moment. I would like to see him have a good run at Wimbledon too whats the furthest he ever got there?

jcf

I believe Djokovic has reached the Semi's at least once in Wimbledon,

and he lost on nerves, which is what he has really sorted out this term
so could be an interesting tournament.


Back to FO, I think Federer could be the surprise person to stop Djokovic !!

he seems to be thriving on being the underdog.

RosyLily

Federer vs. Djokovic is gonna be brilliant...I hope!! I think Fed has a good chance of stopping the streak, as mentioned before he thrives on being the underdog and will relish the opportunity to stop Djoko. Very exciting!!

Soderling vs. Nadal should be a good match; they always give it their all at R.G.

At the moment, the last of the Womens QFs are going on. Li vs. Azarenka on Philippe Chatrier, with Vika 2-1 up after breaking Li's serve. Sharapova vs. Petkovic on Suzanne Lenglen; Masha after breaking Petka's serve in first game.

Jamie Murray is also playing Mixed Doubles with Nadia Petrova on Court 1 against Number 1 seeds Srebotnik and Zimonjic. Murray/Petrova 3-2 up in first set

Anywhoodle

BazBox wrote: »

some hilarious anti-Nadal talk going on in here, he gives an honest interview so clearly he must be up to something!!

Yep, yep. To the people who think it's all gamesmanship... have ye actually been watching his recent matches? He's blatantly off-form! The difference in his level of play really couldn't be much starker.. V.worrying times for Rafa fans..

Far from feigning weaknesses, Rafa's a player who's actually vehemently refused to talk about genuine injuries in the past so as not to deflect glory from players that beat him as a result.. Great sportman. Can't understand people casting slurs on his personality. No grounds for it whatsoever..

As for the time-wasting... That's one for the officials. It's their job to sort it out. Rafa's hardly responsible if they're not enforcing the rules properly.

jcf

I see he is currently destroying Soderling - "oh poor me , poor me im injured i can't play, please go easy on me" BOOM ....


what a low life.

Anywhoodle

jcf wrote: »

I see he is currently destroying Soderling - "oh poor me , poor me im injured i can't play, please go easy on me" BOOM ....


what a low life.

Lol! there was never any talk of injury whatsoever..

AstonMartin

On the mobile.

can someone post the scores for the murray chela match.

thanks.

Johnmb

AstonMartin wrote: »

On the mobile.

can someone post the scores for the murray chela match.

thanks.

Currently 7/6, 7/5 4/2 to Murray, Chela serving.

jcf

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/13603279.stm

Nadal is a low life.

Pretending to be not playing well ... acting like a wounded animal - give his opponent a false sense of security then BOOM ... murders Soderling.

HE's like the kid who pretends he hurts his foot in the race and when people slow down to check on him - he legs it up front.

Lower then a snakes belly.

You wouldn't see Djokovic or Federer doing that , they like MEN
will say "I'm confident , I'm playing well" and go out and win.



If they felt bad , low on confidence whatever they would keep it to themselves - like all pro. athletes should.


Nadal - A disgrace to the game.

RosyLily

jcf wrote: »

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/13603279.stm

Nadal is a low life.

Pretending to be not playing well ... acting like a wounded animal - give his opponent a false sense of security then BOOM ... murders Soderling.

HE's like the kid who pretends he hurts his foot in the race and when people slow down to check on him - he legs it up front.

Lower then a snakes belly.

You wouldn't see Djokovic or Federer doing that , they like MEN
will say "I'm confident , I'm playing well" and go out and win.



If they felt bad , low on confidence whatever they would keep it to themselves - like all pro. athletes should.


Nadal - A disgrace to the game.

"A low life"? Bit harsh, no? Nadal would obviously be asked why he's not so good this clay season and he was just blunt in answering the questions floating about.

Personally, I don't think he's playing his best. On form, Nadal should have knocked out Isner easily and had little trouble with the other opponents. I've seen him play much better. Nadal does not have the same aura on clay about him anymore!

I think he has also been mentally wounded by Djokovic beating him so often this season, especially the 4-6, 4-6 loss in the Italian Open a few weeks ago. It's been a while since Rafa has been beaten so comprehensively on clay. And Nadal also has Djokovic with one hand on the Number 1 spot; just a matter of time before Nole takes it I think.

Overall, Nadal is suffering more so mentally; being the Number 1 with a target on your back for so long cannot be easy!

jcf

jcf wrote: »

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/13603279.stm

Nadal is a low life.

Pretending to be not playing well ... acting like a wounded animal - give his opponent a false sense of security then BOOM ... murders Soderling.

HE's like the kid who pretends he hurts his foot in the race and when people slow down to check on him - he legs it up front.

Lower then a snakes belly.

You wouldn't see Djokovic or Federer doing that , they like MEN
will say "I'm confident , I'm playing well" and go out and win.



If they felt bad , low on confidence whatever they would keep it to themselves - like all pro. athletes should.


Nadal - A disgrace to the game.

I've never read anything so ridiculous. You really think the first four rounds were just an act? And as for calling him a low life, what has he done to deserve that?

He's among the best players of all time and deserves a bit of respect IMO. He was asked about his form and he gave an honest answer, if he said everything was just fine people would call him deluded!

BazBox

RosyLily wrote: »

"A low life"? Bit harsh, no? Nadal would obviously be asked why he's not so good this clay season and he was just blunt in answering the questions floating about.

Personally, I don't think he's playing his best. On form, Nadal should have knocked out Isner easily and had little trouble with the other opponents. I've seen him play much better. Nadal does not have the same aura on clay about him anymore!

I think he has also been mentally wounded by Djokovic beating him so often this season, especially the 4-6, 4-6 loss in the Italian Open a few weeks ago. It's been a while since Rafa has been beaten so comprehensively on clay. And Nadal also has Djokovic with one hand on the Number 1 spot; just a matter of time before Nole takes it I think.

Overall, Nadal is suffering more so mentally; being the Number 1 with a target on your back for so long cannot be easy!

I agree with this, I think he now doubts himself on clay, especially up against Djokovic and this looks apparent in his interviews and performances of late. I wasnt surprised he destroyed Soderling, because thats what he can do but he hasnt done it enough this tournament. I would love to see him win it but if Novak beats Federer then its hard to see anyone but him win it, and it would be well deserved.

As for the "low-life" comments, I think that poster just has a grudge against Nadal and obviously they have their own reasons, but some of the posts are just hilarious and I now enjoy reading them for a laugh

RosyLily

Anywho, enough with the Nadal malarkey, back to FO discussion!

Women's Semi-Final Day!!
First up @ 1pm GMT, it's Li vs. Sharapova followed by Bartoli vs. Schiavone. I'm really looking forward to these matches; all four women are playing great tennis over the past few days and have a good chance of winning.

Also on today is the Mixed Doubles Final: Number 1 seeds Katarina Srebotnik & Nenad Zimonjic vs. the unseeded pairing of Casey Dellacqua & Scott Lipsky.
Mens Doubles Semis are also on. Bryan/Bryan vs. Cabal/Schwank and Zimonjic/Llodra vs. Miryni/Nestor. The latter should be a good one! Zimonjic and Nestor teamed together for years so will know each other extremely well!!

If anyone is interested Legends Doubles will be taking place. Player such as Novotna, Navratilova, Martinez, Ivanisevic, Stich, Woodbridge, Leconte and Nastase will all be playing at some stage today!

BazBox

RosyLily wrote: »

Anywho, enough with the Nadal malarkey, back to FO discussion!

Women's Semi-Final Day!!
First up @ 1pm GMT, it's Li vs. Sharapova followed by Bartoli vs. Schiavone. I'm really looking forward to these matches; all four women are playing great tennis over the past few days and have a good chance of winning.

Also on today is the Mixed Doubles Final: Number 1 seeds Katarina Srebotnik & Nenad Zimonjic vs. the unseeded pairing of Casey Dellacqua & Scott Lipsky.
Mens Doubles Semis are also on. Bryan/Bryan vs. Cabal/Schwank and Zimonjic/Llodra vs. Miryni/Nestor. The latter should be a good one! Zimonjic and Nestor teamed together for years so will know each other extremely well!!

If anyone is interested Legends Doubles will be taking place. Player such as Novotna, Navratilova, Martinez, Ivanisevic, Stich, Woodbridge, Leconte and Nastase will all be playing at some stage today!

I must admit I haven't been following the womens side at all this year, but im assuming Schiavone is favourite as she won it last year, also good to see Sharapova in good form aswell

RosyLily

BazBox wrote: »

I must admit I haven't been following the womens side at all this year, but im assuming Schiavone is favourite as she won it last year, also good to see Sharapova in good form aswell

Schiavone wasn't people's favourite coming into the tournament considering she was off-form but I think many believe she can win it again!
Sharapova would be many's other favourite; she's playing so well and has a great chance!

Hard to believe that Maria has a chance to complete a career Grand Slam at the age of 24. If she wins FO it'll be an amazing achievement for her!! Especially after she referred to herself in the past as "a cow on ice" when she played on clay!:pac: