French Open 2012: Potential Second-Round Matchups We Want to See

The second round of the French Open promises some extremely exciting action. 

Sure, we are still a long way away from the top players in the world matching up against each other, but that doesn't mean some of the lesser-known players can't provide some terrific tennis.

And provide they will.

Let's take a look at the best potential second-round matchups. 

Viktor Troicki vs. Fabio Fognini

Both of these impressive young players made it to at least the fourth round at the French Open last year, so you know at least someone will leave the court disappointed. 

Fognini, the 45th-ranked player in the world, has already advanced to the second round after his win over Adrian Mannarino, so it's just up to Troicki to make this match happen. 

Troicki, who is ranked No. 28, should get past Thomaz Bellucci.

These two have met on clay once before, and that came in Monte-Carlo in 2011, and what resulted was a very well-fought match. Troicki came away with the win, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. 

Both of these guys have been at their best at Roland Garros, and both will put up a fight when they prematurely meet up in the second round. 

Sabine Lisicki vs. Ekaterina Makarova

If you want an upset alert, look no further than this match on the women's side. 

Lisicki, the world No. 13, may be the favorite, but she has really struggled at Roland Garros. In three career tournaments at the French Open, her best finish is an anemic second place.

Makarova, on the other hand, made it to the fourth round at Roland Garros last year and is coming off a quarterfinal finish at the Australian Open. 

She may only be ranked 38th, but she has been much better than Lisicki in big matches. 

Lisicki won the only matchup between the two in the last five years, but don't be surprised if Makarova pulls off the upset. 

Richard Gasquet vs. Donald Young

This is the matchup I most want to see, and it's not because I'm still convinced the former No. 1 junior is the "next best thing." OK, I don't actually believe that, but remember, he's only 22.

He can surprise people.

On the other side would be Gasquet, who is ranked 20th in the world and made it to the fourth round at Roland Garros last year. The Frenchman is only 25, and has the potential to make a deep run if he plays well. 

Young is playing in his first French Open since 2008, when he was ousted in the first round. Clay is clearly not his specialty, but a matchup with Gasquet is certainly an intriguing one for the American. 

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