By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Roland Garros second round action features several big names including Agnieszka Radwanska.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Each day we'll preview and predict results for several must-see Roland Garros matches. Day Four previews are here.
French Open: Nadal Hits Incredible Tweener
(2) Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Caroline Garcia
Suzanne-Lenglen Court (fourth match)
Head-to-head: Radwanska leads 2-1
An intriguing second round encounter between a French hope and an established star. Radwanska, though admitting clay is not her best surface, finds herself in the second round of this Grand Slam as its second seed. While her trademark court craft and clever movement often beguiles players, Radwanska has only earned a career best quarterfinal showing in Paris once in her career.
Garcia was famously predicted by Andy Murray to be a future No. 1 when she almost beat Maria Sharapova in Paris a few years ago. The 22-year-old has not quite rose to those lofty heights just yet. But Garcia, now ranked No. 40, has made steady improvements. She just won the title in Strasbourg last week. With strong hitting on both sides, Garcia is capable of making things difficult for the Polish No. 1.
All of their previous matches have gone three sets, though this will be their second meeting on clay. With the French crowd on Garcia’s side, the upset oppportunity is there. But don’t be surprised if “The Ninja” pulls off yet another surprise escape in the final moments.
The Pick: Radwanska in three sets
(23) Jack Sock vs. Dustin Brown
Court 14 (second match)
Head-to-head: First time meeting
If nothing else, this first meeting will be a worthwhile contrast of styles in motion.
The big serving, hard hitting American seems to find his form best on the red clay. That includes winning the Houston title a few years ago. Facing him is the net rushing, shot making dreadlock wearing German who is always a crowd favorite and a dangerous opponent. Last year at Wimbledon, Brown upset Rafael Nadal.
While Sock will be looking for forehands at every opportunity, Brown will be seeking to end things up at net. If this were being played on grass, the advantage might go to the German. But clay suits Sock’s game better. Expect some odd rallies and a few hot shots for the highlight reels.
The Pick: Sock in four sets
Williams Sisters vs. Jelena Ostapenko and Yulia Putintseva
Court Two (first match)
Head-to-head: First meeting
Doubles action gets underway in Paris. The Williams Sisters, with their eyes on the Summer Games in Rio, are looking to get some match play in as a team after a long break from the doubles court.
Facing them is the much younger team of the Latvian Ostapenko and the volatile Russian. Putintseva recenlty beat the older Venus Williams in Charleston. Expect some rust from the all-time greats, and some great shotmaking in this match of very different generations.
The Pick: Williams Sisters in three sets.
The complete order of play is here.