SB Nation Houston - 2011 French Open: Djokovic And Sharapova Look Like Players To Beathttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46691/houston-fave.png2011-05-30T15:38:43-05:00http://houston.sbnation.com/rss/stream/19562802011-05-30T15:38:43-05:002011-05-30T15:38:43-05:002011 French Open: MechaDjokovic Wreaks Havoc In Paris
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<p>The men’s side of the bracket can best be described as “business as usual.” Nadal and Federer are rolling along, Soderling continues his fine clay court form, and Djokovic has extended his 2011 winning streak to 41 matches. He may be seeded number two, but it’s clear Novak is the guy to beat. Should things continue on pace, things are set up for a tantalizing semi-final match between Roger Federer and MechaDjokovic. May god have mercy on Roland Garros.</p>
<p>Only Andy Murray finds himself in a bit of trouble, but considering he’s the male version of Wozniacki, no one should be surprised if (when) he bows out. Murray is in the midst of a storming come-back after falling behind two sets to zero against Serbian Davis Cup winner Viktor Troicki. With play suspended for the evening, we’ll have to wait until tomorrow for a resolution.</p>
<p>Looking for an outsider that might be able to sneak into the final? I like the cut of Gael Monfils jib. He’s shown flashes of talent over the last couple seasons, and as the last remaining Frenchman, the crowd is sure to get behind him. Lot of good tennis ahead as we move into the quarterfinals.</p>
<p>The women’s bracket presents an entirely different scene: one of chaos, devastation, and madness. The following names are out: Clijsters, Wozniacki (<span class="caps">SHOCKING</span>!), Zvonareva, and Stoser. And we haven’t even reached the quarters. Some might call things “wide open,” but I’ll be so bold as to call it “Sharapova’s to lose.” Maria’s quietly put together a solid tournament, and with her top rivals falling faster than 9.8 m/s (it’s possible!), she’s presented with a fantastic opportunity to prove her game is back on track.</p>
<p>Plenty of intriguing match-ups this week and it looks like we’re on course for an exciting finale in France!</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2011/5/30/2197817/2011-french-open-mechadjokovic-wreaks-havoc-in-parisDisplacedTexan2011-05-26T18:14:06-05:002011-05-26T18:14:06-05:002011 French Open: Unstoppable Djokovic Continues Quest for World Domination
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<p>After an extended lull following the Upside Down Open, the second major of the tennis season <strike>kicked off</strike> <strike>teed off</strike> started off this week at Roland Garros. Thankfully, the French Open has picked up right where the Australian left things - Novak Djokovic is winning. The twenty-four year old Serbian and current world number two is winning a lot. Thirty-nine straight matches to start the 2011 season (but who's counting!?) after defeating Victor Hanescu 6-4, 6-1, 3-2 (ret) in yesterday's second round action. He faces an early test against 2009 US Open Winner Juan Del Patro in the next round, but considering his current form it'd be rather shocking if Djokovic fails to reach the second week.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, the usual suspects of Nadal, Murray and Federer roll on, with only Nadal facing adversity in his first round match against American John Isner, the marathon man from last year's Wimbledon. With Andy Roddick absent (who surely would have lost within two rounds anyway) and the rest delivering typically disappointing clay court performances, American hopes at this point rest on Mardy Fish. Which is to say there is no hope. Huzzah!</p>
<p>On the women's side, Italian Francesca Schiavone finds herself in the odd position of being both defending champion and underdog. Her title defense got a bit of help today after number two seed Kim Clijsters delivered a horrid performance that ended her tournament early. Coupled with the absence of the Williams sisters, that's good news for number one seed Caroline Wozniacki as she seeks to disprove the haters and win her first major (she wont).</p>
<p>A relatively upset-free first week should lead to a bevy of good match-ups next week so be sure to tune in.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2011/5/26/2335762/2011-french-open-unstoppable-djokovic-continues-quest-for-worldDisplacedTexan