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Former champions Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams progressed to the third round in contrasting fashions on Thursday. With third round action beginning on Friday, here are 5 matches you shouldn’t miss:
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Ana Ivanovic Vs Donna Vekic
2008 champion Ana Ivanovic has looked a little edgy in her first two round matches here so far. Donna Vekic surprised everyone by taking out Caroline Garcia in the opening round. With the No. 7 seed not looking at her best yet, Vekic has her best chance of making it to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.
Ivanovic has not been able to produce consistent tennis which was reflected in her outings at the Madrid and Rome Masters. Expect this match to be a close three-setter.
This is the first meeting between the two women on the tour.
Match Time: 2:30 p.m IST.
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Garbine Muguruza Vs Angelique Kerber
Both Garbine Muguruza and Angelique Kerber come into their third round clash without dropping a set. Muguruza stunned the world last year by knocking out Serena Williams in the second round. Kerber reached her best result in Paris three years ago when she reached the quarterfinal stage for the first time.
It will be a tough task for Kerber against Muguruza, who has the crowd behind her. This match can go the distance as well. Kerber leads their head-to-head 3-0. Their last match was in Sydney earlier this year.
Match Time: Around 6 p.m IST.
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Samantha Stosur Vs Maria Sharapova
Samantha Stosur couldn’t have asked for a better preapration to Roland Garros as she won the title in Strasbourg just before the start of the French Open. However, she will have her task cut out against the defending champion Maria Sharapova on Friday.
Sharapova looked at ease in the first two rounds here. The Rome Masters victory has bolstered the Russian’s confidence after her loss against Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Madrid semifinal. The No. 2 seed leads the Australian 14-2 in 16 matches played between the duo.
Match Time: Around 6 p.m IST.
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Benoit Paire Vs Tomas Berdych
After a tough five-set win over Gastao Elias in the opening round, Benoit Paire was at his best as he beat Fabio Fognini in straight sets in the second round. Tomas Berych is having a terrific year and the Czech looked in complete control against his compatriot Radek Stepanek in the Round of 64, despite dropping a set.
The French crowd will be firmly behind Paire as he looks to reach the Round of 16, but the experience of No. 4 seed should see him through to the next round.
Berdych has won their only match when they met three years ago in Tokyo.
Match Time: Around 6 p.m IST.
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Gael Monfils Vs Pablo Cuevas
Pablo Cuevas took out upcoming player Dominic Thiem in four sets to set up a clash with Gael Monfils in the third round. Monfils had a tough five-set win over Diego Schwartzman in the previous round and it remains to be seen if the Frenchman can overcome the Uruguayan on Friday.
Cuevas reached the Istanbul final last month and can stretch Monfils with his game, which is predominanntly on the baseline. Monfils has won their only match so far, way back in the first round of the 2008 US Open.
Match Time: Around 6 p.m IST.
