Day 10: Cibulkova, Errani, Kerber, Stosur Aim for Paris Semis

By Erik Gudris

Photo Credit: Getty Images

(June 4th, 2012) The women's quarterfinals at Roland Garros are being spread out over two days, which means tomorrow's winners will get an extra day of rest before Thursday's semis. But they may need it as both matches on Tuesday could very well go the distance and then some.

No. 6 seed Sam Stosur vs. No. 15 seed Dominika Cibulkova

Stosur once again has been flying under the radar at a Major and now that many of the top seeds are out in her side of the draw, including top seed Victoria Azarenka, Stosur is now the favorite in her section to go all the way to the finals. But Stosur won't dare look past her opponent Dominika Cibulkova tomorrow whose inspired performance over Azarenka proved she can take down the best of them even when her nerves may be telling her otherwise.

Stosur won their only meeting in Stanford back in 2009 and if she can get her big serve going, she just might overpower the diminutive Cibulkova. But if the 5'3" Slovak can get her teeth into the rallies, she just might out-hit the Aussie, especially if she targets Stosur's weaker backhand side. Still, this match feels like it's on Stosur's racquet, and if she can handle her nerves when things get tight, she should come through in straights.

No. 10 seed Angelique Kerber vs. No. 21 seed Sara Errani

With the conditions of the courts getting slower and slower thanks to some wet, cold weather, it would seem to favor either Sara Errani or Angelique Kerber for possibly going all the way to the title as both possess great defensive games and stellar movement that drive their opponents nuts. But with Errani and Kerber facing each other, this could well turn into a three-set battle that goes three hours or more.

Though Errani has won three clay court titles this season, Kerber has won two titles indoors plus she's playing the kind of tennis that could propel her into the top five soon enough. Kerber won their only meeting in Hobart this year, but that stat is irrelevant as both have improved since then. This match may come down to belief, and with Kerber recently stating that she thinks she can be among the very best, that may just be enough for her to squeeze by the tenacious Italian and reach her second semi in a Major.

For a complete order of play, go here. http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/index.html