Paris Crisis Center, Day 5
By Rosangel Valenti, TW Contributing Editor
Good morning (in fact, by the time this is posted, we'll be well into the afternoon here in Paris). As always, this thread is is your daily space for talking about the tennis that's going on. At this busy time, we ask that you keep your discussions on-topic until the day's matches are all played out. Afterwards it's acceptable to go moderately off-topic.
With the tennis beginning three hours later than it did yesterday, I had been hoping to be able to spend some time walking around outdoors this morning, but it's a rainy day so far; instead I'll probably walk round to the Palais Omnisports de Bercy early, and see who's practising ahead of today's matches.
Matches of the Day
It's quarterfinals day, and there's a strong line-up. Even if some players (Juan Martin Del Potro or Tomas Berdych, anyone?) have looked a little world-weary, at least the world's top players have all shown up this week, and have mostly made it this far into the tournament. In addition, two places at the TMC in Shanghai are still on the line - James Blake, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, David Nalbandian, Gilles Simon and Juan Martin Del Potro are all in with a chance of qualifying (with three of those players still in the draw), while Andy Roddick booked his spot yesterday with his win over Gilles Simon.
I'm very much looking forward to the first match - the second career meeting between Andy Murray and David Nalbandian. The first one was memorable. Many of the public back home in the UK learned about Murray from his performance at Wimbledon in 2005. He had at that stage only played a few matches on the ATP tour, but progressed to the third round by beating Radek Stepanek. He then played his first-ever five-setter against former finalist Nalbandian. Unsurprisingly, endurance issues surfaced for the young Murray on that occasion, and Nalbandian emerged the winner. Whatever happens today, it seems a safe bet that fitness won't be a problem for Murray.
The second match pits Rafael Nadal against Nikolay Davydenko. The head-to-head is 3-1 in Nadal's favour, though with their first of two encounters so far in 2008, in the final in Miami, going Davydenko's way.
The first match of the evening session will feature Roger Federer against James Blake. After a series of eight losses, Blake finally succeeded in beating Federer during the Olympics this summer. He needs a win today if he is to have any hope of qualifying for the Masters Cup.
Finally the last remaining Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, takes on Andy Roddick. We've come a long way from their last meeting, at the Australian Open in 2007. Roddick emerged the winner, but not without some controversy over his attitude towards his opponent. Roddick's only other meeting with Tsonga came at Roland Garros, in 2005, where he also was the victor.
Depending on the length of the day session for singles, I'll also see if there's time to check out some of the doubles action taking place on Court 1.
Player of the Day
For the second day running, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. He came back from a set down to beat Radek Stepanek on Wednesday, and eliminated Novak Djokivic by going the distance yesterday.
Pictures of the Day
Just for a change, my pictures are of last night's two losers, each demonstrating his backhand technique.
As always, enjoy the tennis. Pete is due back today, so it's possible that at some stage you'll be hearing from him.