The Grandstand’s Ricky Dimon and Jared Pine of the Second Serb preview and pick four of the best men’s singles matches on Wednesday at Roland Garros. Among those in second-round action are seeds Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Mikhail Youzhny.
(13) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Jurgen Melzer
Ricky: Tsonga is 3-0 lifetime against Melzer and their most recent meeting and only previous clay-court match was the most routine, with the Frenchman dominating 6-3, 6-0 last season in Monte-Carlo. This one will not be so straightforward, as Tsonga has been playing dismal tennis this season and Melzer has returned nicely from a shoulder injury. As such, this definitely has upset potential…but it’s hard to overlook Tsonga’s clinical straight-set win over a tough customer in Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Melzer’s recent 6-1, 6-1 loss to Jiri Vesely in Dusseldorf. Tsonga 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6.
Jared: A lot has been made of Tsonga’s slump in 2014, but on opening day at Roland Garros the Frenchman proved once again that he is always at his best at his home slam with a straight-set victory over countryman ERV. Tsonga is 17-6 at RG, including a quarterfinal and semifinal the last two seasons. Melzer has only played clay-court events this year in his return from injury, but he posted several impressive wins the last two weeks in Rome and Dusseldorf. The Austrian is the only player who could trouble Tsonga before the crowd favorite’s highly-anticipated fourth-rounder against Novak Djokovic. However, I expect Tsonga to improve his winning streak to four over Melzer. Tsonga 6-3, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2.
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(15) Mikhail Youzhny vs. Radek Stepanek
Ricky: Each of their previous best-of-five matches has gone the distance (Youzhny has won both; a Davis Cup encounter in 2003 and at Wimbledon in in 2008). Overall, their last three showdowns have gone the distance–including most recently on the clay courts of Munich last season. Both veterans are coming off comebacks from two sets down in the first round, so why not another five-set encore? Youzhny’s win was perhaps more encouraging, at the expense of Pablo Carreno Busta (Stepanek beat Facundo Arguello). The Russian also took a set off Rafael Nadal in Rome. Youzhny 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Jared: It has been a tough year for Youzhny in 2014. Russia’s No. 1 player has collected just one victory over a top 50 player this year and was on the brink of elimination in the first round, trailing by two sets to his to his unseeded opponent. However, Youzhny will face a familiar adversary in the second round in Stepanek, whom he has beat in four of their seven meetings–including two five-set matches. The Czech got the better of Youzhny in their most recent meeting on the clay of Munich. This is Stepanek’s chance to get revenge in a big tournament from their Davis Cup rubber 11 years ago. Stepanek 5-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-4.
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Jarkko Nieminen vs. (22) Jerzy Janowicz
Ricky: Mired in a slump rivaling that of Vasek Pospisil, Janowicz had not won a match since Rotterdam in February when he beat Victor Estrella Burgos in the first round on Sunday. While any win is a good one for Janowicz these days, it’s hardly reason to get excited. The Pole is still in disastrous form and he would much rather be facing Nieminen on grass or a fast hard court. Nieminen has a new lease on life after coming back from two sets to one down against Michal Przysiezny in his tournament opener. Nieminen 6-3, 7-6, 6-2.
Jared: It has been a dreadful season for Janowicz, who has won less than half the matches in which he has played. It won’t get easier for his second-round encounter with Nieminen. As a left-hander, the Finn represents the worst possible matchup for Janowicz. The Pole has won just three of 13 matches against left-handers on the tour level, largely because his second serve isn’t as effective against them. In his last match against a southpaw, Janowicz won just 39 percent of second serve points and double-faulted five times in 11 service games in the loss. Compare that to his first full year on tour, when he won 57 percent of second-serve points overall and double-faulted just once every four games. Nieminen is going to be able to break the Janowicz serve too many times in this match. Nieminen 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.
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Robin Haase vs. Martin Klizan
Ricky: Both players are fresh off straight-set blowouts in the first round. Klizan’s was by far the more impress scalp–a beatdown of Kei Nishikori. Haase took care of an over-the-hill Nikolay Davydenko. Nishikori was not 100 percent, but give credit where credit is due. Klizan played great. Haase leads this head-to-head series 2-1, but the Slovak won their most recent meeting 7-5, 6-1 last year on the clay courts of Casablanca. Although each of Haase’s two ATP titles has come on the slow stuff, I think Klizan’s style of play is better suited to the surface. Klizan 7-5, 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Jared: Klizan may have benefited from Nishikori’s injury, but the Slovak maintained a high standard of tennis in the first set. Just a month ago, he won his first clay-court title–doing so as a qualifier. Meanwhile, Haase was the recent victim of a rout by Nieminen, a left-hander with a similar playing style as Klizan. The 24-year old southpaw won the last meeting between these two amidst a slumping 2013 season. This just isn’t a good matchup for Haase. Klizan 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.
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Tsonga;
Youzhny;
Nieminen;
Klizan
Meldza;
Fishface;
HowManyTimes;
RobbyHass
Ricky, did you just do a Day 4 pick and leave out a RBA/Paire pick, DO YOU???
#MatchOfTheDay
Ditto yesterday. Andy’s match against Golubev was ignored. Okay it didn’t rate MOTD status but nevertheless ……………………
#DiscriminationOrOversight?
I like the picks.
I am going with Tsonga in four sets over Melzer.
Youzhny over Stepanek (Fish Lips) in four sets.
Niemenin in three sets over JJ.
Klizan in four sets over Haase.
Tsonga in 5
Youhzny in 5
Niemenin in 4
Klizan in 3
Chardyis sounds already beaten before even setting foot on court…………
https://twitter.com/jimchardy/status/471554558939127808/photo/1
rafaisthebest (at 8:56 pm),
What are you talking about ???
Google translates THIS tweet:
Jeremy Chardy@ jimchardy
“On the road to Roland! Today I count on you to help me, at RG everything is possible! I believe!”
Good morning to you too, @augusta08!
This is what I am talking about: tennis is an individual game (at least last time I checked). Asking for people to “help him” sounds defeatist, TO ME, at least.
Hope this helps.
…I just read Chardy’s tweet again, “I believe!” Complete with exclamation mark? DO YOU??
He’s quacking in his boots alright……….
#MyTake
rafaisthebest (at 8:56 pm)
Secondly, Chardy’s match is in another article.
@augusta08, this is not the first time a poster has committed the “crime” of posting on the “wrong” thread, so relax will you? Jeez……………..
The experienced guys, knowing the outcome is NID, can only pray ‘this is the day when hope might just triumph over experience’. Different for the talented youngsters with have unbridled optimism who think ‘why not?’ and play accordingly.
Looks like it’s bedlam out there already!
Gulbis and Simon on track to take the first sets, RBA going toe-to-toe with Paire, Gulbis take the 1st set as I write this……………Steps bagels Youzhny in the 2st set????Dolgo breadsticks Granollers…..holy molly!!
“RBA going toe-to-toe with Paire”
LMAO
It’s not quite 3 am where I live. Just getting up now and taking a look at the scores. Holy cow.
^^Now that’s what I call being a tennis buff! Well done @jpacnw. I must confess I will only get up at such an un-Godly hour to watch a Rafa match……….
Chapeau!
^^It’s one of the advantages of being retired, ritb. I can nap later.
RBA takes the 1st set, 6/4..
Vamos!
I am only following live scores but Fishface, looks like he’s on a mission………….
Dolgopolov totally schooling Granollers…….
Expected Granollers to put up more resistance than this…..
At the moment, Tennis Channel is just showing Chatrier, but ESPN3, for those who have access to it, is showing all the matches on every court that has TV cameras. Thought Youzhny was going to hit himself in the head with his racquet again, a few minutes ago. He’s obviously displeased with how things are going.
@jpacnw,
Thanks for the info about ESPN3. I always forget about that option for some reason!
^^ NNY7: ESPN3 replays them later, too. I was getting whiplash trying to go back and forth among all of the courts. I had the Tennis Channel on my TV and then did a split screen on my laptop. Even thought about using my second laptop, but I was having trouble following everything as it was and missing too many good shots trying to watch everything. But if there’s a particular match that you want to watch later, then ESPN3 should have it on its replay function. I’m not sure how long they keep the matches available.
Paire breaks in the 2nd set…………a long way to Amarillo, baby!!
@jpacnw,
Thanks so much for that info about the replays on ESPN3. I didn’t know that they replay the matches later. I can totally see you getting whiplash with trying to watch the tennis channel coverage on tv and then split screens on your laptop! Crazy! 🙂
Dolgo 2 sets to love up on Granollers. This one will be over soon…………
RT @darren_cahill: “3 breaks on the trot as Simon goes up a break on Gonzalez 4/3. Looks like he’s borrowed Gonzo’s forehand the last 3 weeks. Cracking it.”
Hope he carries that form into a potential meeting with the Djoker!
RT @PatrickMcEnroe : “Paired and Bautista Agut a very good one on court 1”
Knew it would be!
Just tuned in. Dont know which match to watch!
Is it the bloody weather responsible for the carnage?
^^Whatever it is, I’m having it! Am ready to forgive Rolly-G for the Rafa-slight if this is what they are serving for game!
RT @darren_cahill : “Gonzalez has got the jelly legs look. The colliwobbles. The BG stagger after 6 oil cans. Simon has run him into the ground. 6/4 5/0.”
2nd set bagel served by Gillou. Is he REALLY back??
I do hope so 🙂
Gillou already a break up in the 3rd. He wants out of there………..fast!
RBA wrestles 2nd set from Paire in a TB. RBA 2 sets up. Gulbis also….
Gillou serving for the match, RBA a break up in the 3rd, Gulbis a break up in the 3rd, Youzhny has woken up and taken the 3rd set, Granollers has woken up and is serving for the 3rd set…………
GSM, Gillou.
Gilles IN FORM these days
Can’t believe Step is playing at this level still. You usually only see him like this when it is Davis Cup. Was expecting he would be playing doubles at RG. Anyone know why he isn’t?
RT @bgtennisnation: “I am really impressed with 3namer Agut game now 2sets up vs Paire of Aces,-except for the really Awful yellow shirt an hat he is wearing”
What is it with RBA and yellow shirts?
why is anyone impressed with RBA beating Paire?
Paire has hit the wall.
Certainly like Tsonga at RG, and Nmen playing well of late (really enjoyed his intense style of play earlier at Indian wells!)…also like Haase and Stepanek.
I liked them BEFORE the matches started.
Fishface wins!!!
#CongratulatiosToMeeeeee!!!!
how did Youzhny manage to lose to Stepanek 6:0 first set?!! Is that the same guy who fought so hard against Rafa…pff…unbelievable…
What’s new? Don’t they all raise their game with Rafa the other side of the net?
Step about to serve for the match. Wowzer
Step-Gulbis R3
That should be a corker to see.
winner plays R. Federer
Not even Djokovic is able to prise the VIPs out of the hospitality suites at lunchtime 🙂
The front stands are virtually empty.
What is going on………………….Serena struggling to stay in the match
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY0WxgSXdEE
Serena just suffered her worst ever defeat…2 and 2. Wow.
Serena Williams – the Favorite of odds makers – was sent packing! Who will be the next?
bad, but not worst
Mary Jo and Lindsay were both saying she had never lost fewer than 5 games. Maybe they’re talking just about majors.
Serena has gone out to Garbine Muguruza.
oh, well, Serena is out…she does not seem too concerned about her exit though…
Guess what,. 10 out of 12 ESPN ‘experts’ picked Serena to win the title.
Yeah…Fowler just clarified it. Worst loss at a major.
Tursunov cruising comfortably against Querrey
Berdych drops first set to someone called Nedovyesov
Young Vesely making Raonic work very hard
Klizan took first set, Haase about to level the score
Granollers beat Dolgopolov.
The Federazzi made Dolgopolov a hero after he defeated Rafa, but they became very quiet afer Dolgo beat Wawrinka, the AO champion. Now, Dolgo is hardly mentioned…
Funny, isn’t it ?
https://twitter.com/augustazeight/status/466074807772389376/photo/1
Just continuing the string of players (Coleslaw, Mugro, Nishi, etc.) who are self-proving that their wins over Rafa had little to to with them and everything to do with Rafa.
Same reason that Nole is rated so high at the French this year.
How do you pick a guy with no current slam titles, no FO titles over a guy with eight FO titles, two current majors and who’s beaten Nole 5-0 at the French and 3-0 last three majors?
#Delusion
#ShortTermMemory
#FederazziDesperation
^^That’s more like it. When I left Granollers was losing to Dolgo.
#NormalServiceResumed
SCHWARTZMAN, Diego Sebastian has broken Fed. He leads 2:1 in the 1st set.
#Shortlived
Boris was caught coaching.
Surely there will be a big expose about this on Fedole-X.
#Hypocrites
What happened? I only watched a few games – I like Chardy and didn’t really want to see him being pummelled by Djokovic.
French gave standing-O for Muguruza.
So would they do this for anyone to upset Fed or Nole (i.e., surrogate Fed)?
#RhetoricalQuestion
#Hypocrites
But you can bet your bottom euo they’d stand up for anyone to take down Rafa.
#NoClass
I can think of at least three (politically incorrect – according to some) reasons they would do that with Serena (as opposed to with Roger and surrogate).
#TheMandatoryDoYou
Yes. I count three. Knowing the French, there maybe more.
Garbine is Spanish, too.
Yes but she’s never been much of a threat to Fed’s legacy as far as I know. 🙂
I’m getting irritated by Djokovic’s antics when he loses a point to Chardy. It’s plain bloody patronising to his opponent.
It really is. He’d never have that ball boy sit down next to him for a toast if he was losing a match.
I love the guy’s tennis and for the most part, he’s a good guy but not a fan of his selective antics depending on the score.
#Disrespectful
‘not a fan of his selective antics depending on the score.’
Exactly. He is so transparent.
https://twitter.com/bgtennisnation/status/471640258170589184
Belief just left the building.
So RBA tamed Paire, next is TBird (if he makes it thus far, the way he is currently laboring against a nonentity)……………we ‘re on course for a Gulbis/RBA encounter!
#Tasty
So, the overwhelming favourite on the women’s side went out without a wimper………..
Take 2 ESPN Experts’ picks???
Not.
……………and she went out to ………………a Spaniard!!
You cannot make this up if you tried.
It would be an exquisite irony if both titles were to be won by the Spanish Armada.
The French would be incandescent with rage………….
Haha. That would be awesome. Doubt Muguruza can make it all the way to the final and win it.
Fed will be serving for the match soon. Glad he had to work for it but I want him to make the SF to take Djerk down if Tsonga hasn’t already done it.
Oui! Yes! Si!! I actually root for Fed a lot now…
^^ditto, @nadline10. I want Fed to cruise without drama and then leave it all in the semi against Djoker, although I doubt he will fight if Rafa plays his semi first (provided he gets there, Inshallah!) and is the final waiting.
Roger should’t spoil the party this time like he did in 2011. He should meekly surrender to Berdy/Djoko. But I think he will.
spoil what party?
but yes, Berdych or Djoker will be tough. So could Gulbis (if he gets past Stepanek).
I haven’t seen Fed play Berdy on red clay. But going by their recent matches on all surfaces since 2009, it will surely go the distance. But Fed, I think, has a slight edge on clay and based on their recent form.
Now, coming to Djoker vs. Fed, it can go either way based on who plays well on the day. The result is no so much dependent on who is playing better coming into this match or who is more confident. This is in stark contrast to Rafa-Djoker matches, where matches are mostly decided on current confidence level of these two against each other. At least, this is how their matches in recent years have turned out.
So, Fed can spoil the party by beating Novak in the semis which will deny us tennis fans a real match in the final between Rafa and Novak. Though Rafa will be the favourite in a best of five on clay, but I consider Novak still has more than a fighting chance.
Fed aint beating Djoker (when he’s 100 percent, unlike in Monte-Carlo) in a best-of-5 on clay
We will see, no? We all thought that in 2011 when Fed won. Nole was playing his very best tennis and was undefeated. Fed is arguably playing as well or better now than he was in 2011.
Fed has a way of not letting Nole play 100% lately.
#SARS
#BirdFlu
Fed cruising along, should finish this without drama.
I give up! Sky has just announced that 2nd seed and 2011 champion won his match against Jeremy Chardy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What’s Truth Got To Do With It, Got To Do With It ?
^^That’s what they mean by subliminal messaging. These people are just betraying what is in their subconscious, the hope and wish that Djokovic was an RG Champion. They wish it so much their brains are playing tricks on them, making their wishes “come true”.
nadline10 (2:24 pm),
The Federazzi will never stop lying!
You can’t be SERIOUS………….Who was the commentator?
ed, this was SKY Sports Report.
I have sent them an email. If anyone wants to do the same, this is the link:
http://www.skysports.com/tabs/contact/0,20256,,00.html
Gutsy effort from the young Schwartzman. He wasn’t intimidated by the venue or that he was playing the mighty Fed.
Melzer melting under the Tsonga onslaught……………
TBird through, next……………….RBA.
I also want Tsonga to go through to help remove Djerk. Tsonga can seem out of form but he can turn it on anytime, even mid match.
Vamos Tsonga
If not Tsonga, then RBA, Simon, Raonic, Gulbis and finally the Mighty Fed can give Djoker something to think about!
Didn’t Tsonga have djoker on the ropes a few years ago? Or was that W? Either way, finish the job this year Jo-Willy!!
@Jeu Nadal, who hasn’t had Djoker on the ropes at RG a few years ago? Let’s see who has;
Rafa;
Fed;
Seppi;
Tsonga;
Melzer
Take your pick!
True dat…I meant had a MP, lost it, and then fizzled in the 5th set. Tsonga can choke big time.
The one blessing from Serena’s ouster today is we don’t have to see that hideous hemline again!
If she has any sense she will bin it asap.
how is Tsonga playing well again?
I remarked the other day, he is one of the few Frenchmen who doesn’t fall apart at RG and is capable of catching fire in front of a home crowd..
Do you think Sharapova laughed for ten minutes after the match?
#DreamComeTrue
Watch her lose to Pironkova. #hubris. I kind of want a new champion…Halep? Mugu? I would be fine with Ana.
Vamos Petko!!! (or Genie #GoCanada)
Tsonga is plaing well because it’s RG.
ANOTHER GAME FOR MILOS!!!!!!! (and Genie too!!)
#GoCanada!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fws9ENCSheU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUaMzsNKR7Q
Vamos Milos!
He may not take out Nole but he just might put some “strain” on his game, no?
Could really do some damage at Wimby this year if he keeps his head.
My new best friend Alize Cornet (she is a big Rafan) is on SL.
Sorry for the double video post. Meant to post this one…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fws9ENCSheU
(I’ll quit while I’m behind). Was fine the first time lol. Sorry (again).
#GoMilos!!!!
Gilou will be a really tough out for him but should serve as a good barometer.
Gilou really can’t harm Nole but Milos could make a dent.
#GoMilos
Simon’s chances vs. Raonic improved 10fold today
Go on…….
… because ________________________________________
#FillInTheBlank
^^^^^And Gillou too. The human backboard might just possibly rattle Nole.
Raonic also stands a very good chance of taking it to Nole.
depends what “taking it to” means
RT @SI_BTBaseline : “First time in the Open Era that both No. 1 and No. 2 women’s seeds have lost before the third round at ANY Grand Slam. #RG14”
Jurgen has meltzed in the heat from Tsonga………
Nadal vs. Thiem – https://tenngrand.com/2014/05/28/french-open-r2-previews-and-picks-nadal-vs-thiem-murray-vs-matosevic/
Repeat after me: without the serve, Serena has no game…..
RT @christophclarey : “Serena: 8 winners, 29 unforced errors, 27% of points won on own 2d serve”
Against all expectations Jerzy is taking it to Nieminen. He is up 2.0
Hey! Not ALL expectations.
(See My picks above.)
#Hunb1e
Don’t you be lining up excuses already Mr. Djokovic, you ARE the favourite:
https://twitter.com/rolandgarros_FR/status/471662728067964928/photo/1
I’m not sure of the year (might have been 2009 or ’10) when Andy was being mentioned as one of the favourites and Nole spoke out saying he couldn’t understand why he was not included. Now he’s he saying it’s a burden to be regarded as the favourite.
There was an interesting moment on court in Rome when the interviewer says:
“Congratulations. After this win you must be feeling invincible”. A slight pause and with a self-deprecating smirk he replied “No. I say nobody is invincible”. His expression and body language were that of a man who clearly believed at that moment he was invincible.
Man, Oh man………………..
RT @by_drew: “Did Rory break up with Serena too? TF is going on here?!”
Jerzy takes out Nieminen in straights sets.
Congratulations to Meeeeee!!!!!
My secret strategy is to pick opposite Ricky.
#Again
#Humb1e
That way you are pretty much guaranteed a 50% strike rate 😉
Is the true no?
Do they play on Sunday at RG?
^^Don’t know about the middle Sunday, @nadline10, but they started on Sunday.
nadline10 (at 4:33 am)
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/about/schedule.html
Thanks a lot.
yes
https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes/status/471690993608441856
Rafa second on Chatrier after the women’s match…………….
Serena’s loss will make Djerk’s confidence suffer a bit if he was buoyed up by being everyone’s favourite.
Pico second on Court #3…………
Murray is on CT 1. Thankfully, neither Murray or Watson clash with Rafa because there is always blanket coverage of their matches on British TV.
Le grand sigh… Rafa second on PC, so that means 6-ish my time. Vacation is over so I will have to sneak a stream at work. #stealth
^^Rafa’s match will be about 4 am for me. Doesn’t matter. Any time of any day….I’ll be up to watch him.
@jpacnw,
Yes, you and I are in the same time zone.I don’t know if I can be up for it. I will try to do my best.
RT @Ringham7: “Heavy balls, damp court, cold evening at RG — not ideal for John Isner who trailes Mikhail Kukushkin 7-6, 5-5.”
Hope conditions are better tomorrow………….
I hope you’re not thinking of sneaking over to Court 3 during Rafa’s match.
That will definitely be grounds for getting banned from the knitting circle 😉
#You’reNot
#OrAreYou
^^I ain’t sayin’ nothin’………… yet!!
^^^afraid not.. Strong risk of intermittent rain for the afternoon. 20km wind, 17-19˚C Earlier this week there was promise of mainly sunny weather from Friday onwards but that is not looking so certain at the moment.
Any longer range improvement in the weather forecast for week 2 (particulary towards the end)?
Here are two sites.
http://europe.meteoconsult.co.uk/weather/roland-garros/france/weather_forecast_roland-garros_france_destination_42_2.php
http://paris.lachainemeteo.com/meteo-france/ville/previsions-meteo-paris-3903-1.php
The 2nd one (lachainemeteo) breaks it down into 2hr segments when you get to each day and is usually pretty accurate. I get a good idea of what is happening at RG by looking out of my window – because we get much the same weather, give or take an hour or two depending on the wind direction.
^^^^I forgot to mention the two sites don’t always agree but both predict rain for next Thursday and good weather for SF Friday. The picture will no doubt change before then – hopefully for the better!!!!!!
Thanks, ed.