Bethanie Mattek-Sands def. Li Na 5-7 6-3 6-2
Turns out the one in trouble wasn't Kvitova, it was Li Na. Li has struggle to find any sort of form since her Stuttgart final appearance, so it wasn't really shocking that she got bounced out early. However, many were expecting her to raise her level for this Grand Slam. The intermittent rain delays did not help as her momentum was disrupted several times. Bethanie was a top 30 player and she seems to be on her way back after this win. As for Li, she needs to find out what's wrong and come back strong in Wimbledon.
Schedule of play:
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/index.html
Match focus:
Sabine Lisicki vs. Sara Errani
The problem with Sabine Lisicki is that she tends to go for winners on every shot. Against someone like Errani who retrieves a lot, she's always going to end up on the losing end. While it's true that when Lisicki is on, she's almost unplayable, nobody plays at 100% all the time. Sabine needs to play smart and go for the right shot at the right time. Errani isn't going to blast her off the court anyway. However, Sabine will probably go for broke and end up packing her bags this time again.
Pick: Errani in 3 sets
Bojana Jovanovski vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova
The section of the draw really opened up with Makarova and Wozniacki being taken out by these 2 players. Kuznetsova had a weird opening set against Rybarikova where she just wasn't on court. However, she put things back in place in the next 2 sets. She should be the firm favourite here, having won the title 4 years ago. However, she needs to be cautious not to give many free points to Bojana, who will be eager to pounce and play first strike tennis.
Pick: Kuznetsova in 2 sets
Monica Puig vs. Carla Suarez Navarro
Monica Puig showed real strength in closing out Keys in her previous round. Maybe she's ready for the main stage? She faces another uphill task against the crafty claycourter, Carla. Suarez is a darkhorse for this tournament as she quietly makes her way into the third round. The Spaniard has the experience and the variety to take out the youngster. Puig needs to be confident with herself and not be deflated if a few shots go out. If she believes, she can do it.
Pick: Suarez Navarro in 3 sets
Sure win bet: Serena Williams, Agnieszka Radwanska, Ana Ivanovic
Upset alert: Roberta Vinci, Angelique Kerber
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