Each day during Roland Garros, we'll select three of the most intriguing matches on the schedule and offer our predictions.
Sam Querrey [24] vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber (Court 7, Second Match)
Assuming he avoids another mental meltdown, Querrey is guaranteed to improve upon his last result at Roland Garros. Twelve months ago, after weeks on the road, a dispirited Querrey lost to Robby Ginepri in the first round and admitted afterward, "I just got tired. Mentally not there. Just did not enjoy myself out there. It?s been like that on and off for like a while. So I?m going home tomorrow."
There's a chance Querrey could also drop his opener this year, hopefully not of his own volition. Kohlschreiber is comfortable on clay and is usually seeded at the Slams, but hasn't strung many wins together this year and is currently mired in the 40s. The American hasn't been much better. Querrey hasn't seen a semifinal in 2011 and is 1-5 in his last six matches, all on clay. His pal and doubles partner John Isner is as good as gone tomorrow?his opponent is Rafael Nadal?and based on Querrey's current form, they may each have lots of time to focus on the two-man tournament.
The Pick: Kohlschreiber in four sets.
Li Na vs. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (Court 1, First Match)
Li has righted the ship since a 1-5 skid after the Aussie Open final, reaching the semis of Madrid and Rome. In the wide-open women's draw, few are talking about Li as a title threat, but she has the experience and is riding quite a hot streak. If she can get through her early-rounders with ease, watch her bandwagon start to fill. Zahlavova Strycova is no pushover but shouldn't trouble Li in the end.
The Pick: Li in two sets.
Kevin Anderson [32] vs. Nicolas Mahut (Court 7, Third Match)
Big server vs. big hair. Side court at a major. First round. Ring a bell? Mahut could win Roland Garros and still be known more for his 70-68 match with Isner, but it's great to see that the lovable loser hasn't vanished since his moment. Rather, he's climbed nearly 50 rungs in the rankings to No. 90 and made the main draw at both of this season's Slams.
His adversary, Anderson, has made strides of his own. The tall South African reached a career-high No. 33 in April thanks to his quarterfinal run in Key Biscayne, and won a title in Johannesburg. Like fellow college grad Isner, he's no sideshow. The head says Anderson, but the heart says Mahut, playing in front of his fans.
The Pick: Mahut in five sets (8-6).
Ed McGrogan is the online editor of TENNIS.com.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/oK2TRqu4cTY/
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