Wimbledon Day 4 Match of the Day: Ferrer vs. Harrison

I can't wait for the Court 2 encounter between David Ferrer and upstart Ryan Harrison.  Harrison is America's next best tennis hope and his game translates well to the grass courts of the All England Club.

Ferrer is a wiley veteran who is competent on grass, but not spectacular. 

It's interesting to note that Harrison only got into the tournament at the last minute when fellow American Robert Kendrick pulled out.  Harrison last week lost in the final round of qualifying.  This works to Harrison's advantage, he's playing with house money and under virtually no pressure.

I like Harrison in this spot, with his big serve and on the grass.  Of note, Ferrer won't give an inch and will play with all he has.

I still like Harrison to win a tough 4-setter.

Go Ryan!

Day 12: French Open Match of the Day - Li vs. Sharapova

Two big semi-finals in Paris on Thursday and the best of the two should be the Na Li / Maria Sharapova match.

Sharapova holds the career edge at 5-2, but Li has won the last tow meetings which were both on grass.

This isn't grass, but it's all the more reason I like Li in this one.  She's been good in Grand Slam events and I keep waiting for Sharapova's serve to go at some point.  I'd like to see Sharapova make this final, but I think it's going be Na Li.

Prediction:  Li in 3.  Hey that rhymes.

Day 11: French Open Match of the Day - Nadal vs. Soderling

Some think this match could be a blowout, but I tend to think it could last for a while.  Nadal isn't all that sharp and Soderling has beaten him here before.

I'm not saying that will happen again, but Soderling wil make him work.

Nadal has a 5-2 edge ove Sod and all but one match have been competitive.  I'm not sure what happened when Nadal beat Robin 6-1, 6-0 in Rome back in 2009.

Look for a close one, Nadal pulls it out, though.

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.