Andy Murray Advances Barely

Brit, Andy Murray beat No. 15 Victor Troicki 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 on Tuesday and reach the French Open quarterfinals by winning a match that stretched over two days.

Murray trailed 5-2 in the decisive fifth set, but he broke back when Troicki was serving for the match, winning the final five games.

Troicki broke in the sixth game of the fifth set, but only after a ball boy ran onto the court during the first point and forced a replay even though Troicki smashed an overhead winner.

The match started Monday, and Troicki dominated the first two sets. But Murray responded, pulling himself back into the match before play was halted by darkness.

Day 10: French Open Match of the Day - Pavlyuchenkova vs. Schiavone

This is a great matchup of contrasting styles.  Pavs is the young Russian with the big forehand and is not afraid to go for broke.

Schiavone is the defending champ, she will use her experience, spins and angles to try and confuse her Russian opponent. 

It's a big moment for both players.  Pavs is trying to advance to a Grand Slam Semi and Schiavone is trying to show her title last year was no fluke.

Look for two tough sets, with the Russian, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova coming out on top.

Day 9: French Open Match of the Day - Sharapova vs. Radwanska

With all the upsets in the women's draw at the 2011 French Open, it's surprising to me that Maria Sharapova is still playing.

Clay isn't her best surface, but she's healthy and determined.  Sharapova is playing her game and if she's going to lose, she's going to go down swinging.

Radwanska is mainly a counter puncher and she will look to use some of the power that Sharapova will give to her.  Radwanska will get a lot of balls in play and will try and frustrate Maria.

Look for a three-setter here and Sharapova winning 6-4 in the third.

Day 7: French Open Match of the Day - Continuation of Djokovic vs. Del Potro

Nothing was settled on Friday, so let's try again on Saturday.

It's one set all, 6-3, 3-6.  Darkness fell on Lenglen as these two warriors did battle. 

It's a best of 3 come Saturday and I feel really either player could win. 

Prediction: It's tough, but how about Djokovic in 5.

Your French Open Women's Champ Will Be...

Look at the face and learn the name.  Petra Kvitova.

With seeds falling everywhere else in the draw, Kvitova is disposing opponents and is possibly on her way to Grand Slam title.

Greg Garber of ESPN.com does a nice piece on Kvitova in Paris here.  http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/french11/columns/story?columnist=garber_greg&id=6598270

I like her game, her attitude and her ability to rise to the occasion in big matches. 

I have to think she will win in Paris.