Each day during Roland Garros, we'll select three of the most intriguing matches on the schedule and offer our predictions.
Roger Federer [3] vs. Feliciano Lopez (Court Philippe Chatrier, Third Match)
Federer's matches at the majors have always been must-see, but the question surrounding them has changed. Instead of, "What will he do?"?serve a triple bagel? Hit a new, trademarked shot? Wear an ascot??it's now, "How will he do?" Not that I expect the 16-time Grand Slam champ to go down in round one, but I think we can read more into Federer's first match than the openers involving the other top men. If this goes long?say, five sets?I'm thinking Federer could be in for a short stay in Paris. If it's a quick dusting on the dirt? Maybe it's the start of the the most under-the-radar run in Federer's career.
Another reason to tune in: Lopez nearly (and should have) beat Federer a few weeks ago in Madrid. I think we saw the Spaniard at his peak there, in a best-of-three set format, away from the intense spotlight of a Slam, with the home crowd supporting him. But with a serve like his, you just never know?Lopez took a set from Darth Federer at the 2007 U.S. Open, while the Death Star's forcefield was still intact.
The Pick: Federer in four sets.
Juan Martin del Potro [25] vs. Ivo Karlovic (Court 1, First Match)
I don't recommend this one for the quality of tennis?most of the points should be over after one shot (Karlovic service winners) or five, tops (del Potro baseline winners and/or Karlovic baseline errors). It's more about seeing where del Potro, who appeared to be back near full power just a few weeks ago, is at physically. Now, you might say that facing Dr. Ace isn't a fair litmus test, as the points will be shorter. In some respects, I agree. But del Potro must show patience if he's to win this shootout, so we can definitely learn something about his mental strength. Karlovic is a tough opponent under any circumstances, let alone if returning from injury. And should del Potro prevail? He'll almost certainly see Novak Djokovic two rounds later. But I don't see that marquee third-rounder transpiring.
The Pick: Karlovic in five sets.
Sabine Lisicki vs. Akgul Amanmuradova (Court 16, Second Match)
Another player returning from injury, Lisicki is an undeniable threat on any surface with her weapons. Ranked No. 121, she had to qualify to reach the main draw and did so convincingly, winning all six sets she played, none by a score closer than 6-4. The German has had some good results on clay this year?defeating Marion Bartoli in Charleston and Li Na in Stuttgart?so there's reason for optimism. Her opponent, Amanmuradova, is a 26-year-old who's steadily creeped up the rankings (she's now No. 75) and is playing more main draws at tour-level events. Both players have a lot to gain from this one.
The Pick: Lisicki in two sets.
Ed McGrogan is the online editor of TENNIS.com.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/oQqQonkin-U/
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