2011 French Open: 5 Matches to Watch for on Thursday

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Each progressing day at the French Open has provided compelling stories and interesting matches.

From the thrilling five set Isner vs. Nadal match on Tuesday, to the wacky and sad ending to the Zvonareva vs. Lisicki match Wednesday.

Day Five proves to be another interesting day at the French Open with plenty of intriguing matches.

Sam Querrey vs. Ivan Ljubicic

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Two big hitters in this match tomorrow. 

Ljubicic is a grizzled veteran who knows how to play on the clay, while Querrey has the talent but hasn't put it all together yet.

This should be a close match with a couple of tiebreak sets.

Jeremy Chardy vs. Giles Simon

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Two Frenchmen meet in this second round matchup on centre court.

Chardy is a good young player who has some talent, but can he beat Simon, who is playing well again after some injuries dropped him in the rankings?

The crowd will be electric and behind their own countrymen as these two take the court.

Maria Sharapova vs. Caroline Garcia

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It's never easy to play a French player on Chatrier at Roland Garros, but that's what Sharapova will do tomorrow. 

Garcia shouldn't pose much threat to Sharapova and her power, but with Sharapova on her weakest surface, anything can happen.

The crowd will be behind Garcia, but look for Sharapova to show her talent and win this match.

Xavier Malisse vs. Fernando Verdasco

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Verdasco has been struggling recently, and the X-man is a dangerous player.

Verdasco has the edge due to his superiority on the clay, but Malisse has the ability to make shots that can hurt anyone.

This should be a fun match as both players can rip the ball.

Mardy Fish vs. Robin Hasse

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All American tennis eyes will be on Mardy Fish tomorrow as he takes on Robin Hasse of the Netherlands.

Fish is the best hope for American men to advance far at the French, but he has to take on Hasse, who has shot-making ability (see his Australian Open match against Andy Roddick).

Fish should win this one, but it will be interesting to see if Hasse can push through and dampen American hopes.