Predicted Winners in BOLD
Alize Cornet (FRA) [29] vs. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO) – Lucic-Baroni is a great story, but I think Cornet on French soil will find a way through.
Samantha Stosur (AUS) [26] vs. Maria Sharapova (RUS) [2] – If Stosur maintains her composure, she has the tools to pull an upset. I think she will need a great mental effort to go with her big forehand and serve. Sharapova is the #2 seed, defending champion, and just won Rome. Sharapova is the heavy favorite, but Stosur winning a title last week makes me think this could be interesting.
Ana Ivanovic (SRB) [7] vs. Donna Vekic (CRO) – Has Ana danced too closely to elimination thus far? My answer is yes.
Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) [8] vs. Flavia Pennetta (ITA) [28] – This is the match of the day on the women’s side if I had a ticket.
Lucie Safarova (CZE) [13] vs. Sabine Lisicki (GER) [20] – Lisicki has weapons, but I don’t think clay is her ideal surface.
Kerber Won 2 Clay Court Events Leading into Roland Garros: 1 Red & 1 Green
Garbine Muguruza (ESP) [21] vs. Angelique Kerber (GER) [11] – Why do two of my favorite players from a fan’s perspectve have to face-off? I think Kerber has a momentum and experience advantage. I think Garbine has more talent overall. For this year, I think Kerber is the favorite as winning tends to bread a lot of confidence and she has been winning.
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 