2012 FRENCH OPEN Day 7: Lepchenko Upsets Schiavone

Varvara Lepchenko, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Uzbekistan (who I saw close up play a tough set against Aggie Radwanska at the Madrid Open which I attended while on vacation last month), eliminated 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone in the best match of Day 7 at Roland Garros 6-3 3-6 8-6 in 3 hours, 2 minutes. Some people called it an upset, but I totally expected Varvara to win this match. Other winners on Day 7 were Maria Sharapova, Kaia Kanepi (over former #1 Carolina Wozniacki), 2011 French Open champion Li Na and 2011 Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. The last two players dropped a set but easily won the deciding set against their less experienced opponents. Lepchenko plays Kvitova in the 4th round and it should be a tough match since lefties also do not like playing each other (since it happens so rarely). Lepchenko and Sloane Stephens are the two remaining American players in the tournament (male or female).

On the men's side the best match of the day was the very fit Juan Monaco's win over future phenom Milos Raonic 6-7(5) 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 in nearly 5 hours. Monaco's prize will be a 4th round appointment with the King of Clay Rafael Nadal who made short work of attractive Eduardo Schwank. Other contenders to win today were Janko Tipsarevic, David Ferrer, Richard Gasquet (demolishing Tommy Haas 6-7(3) 6-3 6-0 6-0) and Nicolas Almagro.