Surviving "Paradise"

The biggest story of day five action at the French Open was RAIN, and also Li Na upset by American B. Mattek-Sands.  Rain caused cancellations and suspension of play today.  Beating the rain and also former French Open champion Li Na was American Bethanie Mattek-Sands, upsetting Na in three sets, 5 – 7, 6 -3, 6- 2.  Sands is the one who wears the high top socks and sometimes the eye black under her eyes (not today however under cloudy skies).  Congrats to Mattek-Sands, huge win for her.  Personally, I am sad to see Li Na out, I really enjoy her and her tennis.  She is funny and sarcastic, especially enjoy listening to her interviews when she talks about her husband, “Dennis”!  Moving on…Djokovic got his match in and rolled past G. Pella, 6 -2, 6 – 0, 6-2.  Rafael Nadal will have to wait another day as his scheduled match against M. Kilzan was postponed until tomorrow.  Stan Wawrinka was up two sets on H. Zeballos, 6 – 2, 6 – 2, and tied at 3-3 in the third when it was called.  Hope Stan pulls it out tomorrow.  Also advancing today B. Paire, F. Fognini, K. Nishikori, G. Dimitrov (rumored new boyfriend of Maria Sharapova), Sam Stosur, Petra Kvitova, Victoria Azarenka, and seventeen year old American Sloane Stephens.

Will have to wait and see how the schedule shakes out tomorrow due to the rain wreaking havoc.  Was expecting to see Roger Federer take the court against J. Benneteau for his first real test at this year’s French Open.  Hope it will happen but will have to wait and see due to today’s cancellations and suspended matches.

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Roger Federer breezed through his second round match today at the French Open, taking out former UVA player, S. Devvarman, 6 – 2, 6- 1, 6- 1.  Fed had over fifty winners as he easily took care of the young qualifier today.  Roger has had two easy first round matches and has a very favorable draw.  Next up is J. Benneteau of France and he could be a tricky match up for Fed.  (Federer is 4-2 against him).  Looming in the next round could be a possible quarterfinal match against another Frenchman, the colorful J. Tsonga.  If all goes well, look for Federer to meet D. Ferrer in the semifinals.  Let’s just call Roger Federer the Iron Man of tennis.  He is now in third place for most matches won at this event, Nadal is just behind him, and with another couple of victories, Federer will become the leader of the pack.  He has 35 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals (a record of course) and is appearing in his 54th consecutive Grand Slam (24 of those appearances have put him in the finals!).  With all the talk of Nadal, and take nothing away from Rafa, he is the greatest clay court player ever, people do not recognize just how great Roger has performed on clay throughout his illustrious career.

Also advancing today with ease was world #1 on the women’s side, Serena Williams.  She dispatched Caroline Garcia of France, 6 -1, 6-2.

Other winners of note today: M. Raonic, D. Ferrer, B. Paire, G. Simon, J. Benneteau (5 sets), S. Querrey, V. Azarenka and A. Radwanska (younger sister, Ursula lost today).

In his post match interview, Federer commented on the cool temperatures and how the court was playing.  He feels it is playing fast (especially since clay is notoriously slow) and the balls are not bouncing as high as usual.  He also said it favors offensive, aggressive play.  He will need every bit of that he can muster should he find himself in another French Open final with Rafa on the other side of the net.  I am hoping it happens, but we have a long way to go, only day four of fifteen day tournament.

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It was a rainy day in Paris but world #1 Novak Djokovic was able to take the court and advanced over David Goffin, 7 -6, 6- 4, 7- 5.  Also advancing Stan Wawrinka in four sets and thirty five year old Tommy Haas in three sets.

Ten women’s matches were postponed due to inclement weather.  Have to wait and see how the schedule unfolds tomorrow as more rain is expected.  Was hoping to see Mr. Federer play his second match!

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Rafael Nadal dropped the first set to D. Brands, 6 -4, then needed a tie break to wrestle away the second set, 7 -6 before going on to victory with a 6 – 4 third set and 6 – 3 fourth and decisive set.  It was not easy for Rafa, this young German player (age 25) came to play.  Rafa is safely through his first match on the red clay and will look to win his record 8th trophy at this event.  Also advancing was American John Isner.  The #5 seed, Thomas Berdych was upset by G. Monfils, 7 – 6, 6 – 4, 6 – 7, 6- 7, 7 – 5.  Monfils was once a member of the top twenty but the popular and charismatic Frenchman has been out due to injury and is in the event this year as a qualifier.  Monfil is always fun to watch and he did not disappoint today in front of the French crowd on a beautiful day in Paris.

On the woman’s side, defending champion Maria Sharapova easily defeated S. Heieh, 6 – 2, 6 -1.  Also advancing, Li Na, A. Kerber, A. Radwanska, Caroline Wozniacki, and American Sloane Stephens.

Novak Djokovic is scheduled to play his first match tomorrow as is Victoria Azarenka.  Unfortunately, rain is in the forecast for the next couple of days in Paris.

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