French Open

[Raji]

Radek Stepanek (-150) vs. Simon Gilles (+140)
Had Stepanek not beaten Roger Federer a couple of weeks ago in the Masters Series in Rome, he would probably be the underdog here against the very talented Frenchman. Stepanek's recent career has been hampered by frequent injuries (most recently he retired in the final in Rome). He's a very gritty performer, but prefers the high bounce rather than the painfully slow dirt of Roland Garros. Simon Gilles has been consistent in the last couple of years and loves a good old fashion slug fest from the baseline. He captured the Casablanca title just under a week ago, which is a perfect preparation to come into the Open in Paris. As I said from the start, had it not been for that miraculous win of Stepanek over Fedexpress, Gilles Simon would be the favorite with the books or a pick 'em, worse case scenario. I am taking Simon to win this, which shouldn't even be considered as an upset.

Paul Capdeville (-150) vs. Mischa Zverev (+140)
Poor Capdeville has been slugging it out in the Challenger circuit for quite sometime now, without making much in-roads in the ATP circuit. He's seen enough clay that you would not be grossly mistaken if you thought he should be taking up pottery and quitting tennis altogether. "That's a bit harsh mate," I hear some of you say. But really, the Chilean hasn't done much even on his favorite surface, so why would anyone want to back him here, especially as a favorite. The only thing Capdeville has got going on for him here, is the week he's spent going through the qualifiers, and that gives him a slight edge somehow. Zverev, is a crafty left-hander that has a pretty decent and respectable serve. I am not convinced that he'll outlast the Chilean here, however, I believe that he'll start strong and should win the first set at . Those of you who have read me in the forum, you know the drill - if your books don't offer "first set win only" as an option, then play him to win the whole match. But if you can take the first set, then I'd strongly recommend you stick to that.

Scoville Jenkins (+210) vs. Luis Horna (-230)
Sticking with "first set win only" play, I am taking a long one but he's worth a shot nonetheless. The big American, Jenkins, has recently teamed up with Jim Courier. I watched him at the Australian Open this year and, mate, he's no pushover in more ways than one. The Peruvian, Horna, has his work cut out for him. Scoville had three solid wins in the qualifying rounds to make it in the main draw and he beat pretty decent players with No. 21 seed Ramirez Hidalgo being his latest victim. He's got a powerful serve and I believe he should be able to take the first set of the older and injury-plagued Horna. Again, not fully convinced that he will outlast Horna on clay, but at such a price he's worth a shot. Jenkins to win the first set is the play.

Stephanie Cohen-Aloro (+100) vs. Ioana Roluca Olaru (-110)
Although they're more unreliable than the men's side, I must make a play in the Ladies section. Cohen-Aloro loves playing in front of her home crowd and loves the slow pace of Roland Garros. But so does her young opponent from Romania, Olaru. In fact most of Olaru's victories have come on her preferred surface, namely the red dirt. These two have met once in the past and Olaru triumphed pretty comfortably in the decider 6-1. They both had a good showing in last year's French Open reaching the third round which is the furthest either girl has advanced in a major. A tough pick this one. The books think much the same too judging by the odds but I'm going with the young Romanian who will be slightly hungrier to go to the next round. Olaru to win this tight encounter.

Raji