The 2011 French Open hasn't exactly provided many good headlines for the women's game. With Venus and Serena Williams sitting home due to injury, casual U.S. tennis fans already had little to hold their interest. Now that Caroline Wozniacki (1) has joined Kim Cjlisters (2) in early defeat, the women's side is wide open with only Maria Sharapova holding much viewing appeal. On the men's side, however, the tennis is both fantastic and compelling.
In Round 3 play on Friday, Roger Federer cruised through another straight set win, this time over Janko Tipsarevic 6-1, 6-4, 6-3. Roger's first serve placement has been fantastic so far as evidenced by his incredible record of only allowing two break points and giving up just one in three matches.
The most anticipated match of the day, Novak Djokovic (2) against Juan Martin Del Potro was delayed by two three-set women's matches and then an incredible five-set come back win by Stanislas Wawrinka (14) over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (17). It took over four hours for Wawrinka to come back after losing the first two sets.
The delay pushed Djokovic vs. Del Potro from the main Court Philippe Chatrier over to Court Suzanne Lenglen. The match is underway but will likely only have time for two or perhaps three sets before darkness sets in. It would take some very fast games and a three-set sweep to get the full match in on Friday.
The match is being broadcast on TV on ESPN 2 and is available live streaming online at Tennis Channel.com.
[Update, 05/27/11 12:17 PM MST ]
Djokovic vs. Del Potro has been suspended due to darkness with each player winning a set 6-3. Djokovic looked like his dominant self early but the talented Del Potro bounced back with solid defense a slightly less aggressive style in second.
These two power hitters pick things up on Saturday with what is now a best of three match.
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