French Open 2012 Bracket: Most Compelling Quarterfinal Matchups

As the number of competitors at the French Open dwindles, the number of exciting matchups skyrockets. 

Just look to Sunday for proof.

The women's world No. 1, Victoria Azarenka, was upset, while Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer were both challenged to the maximum. 

Also, Juan Martin Del Potro vs. Tomas Berdych and Stanislas Wawrinka vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga both went to the wire in epic back-and-forth matches. 

And that was all just fourth-round action. As we near the quarterfinals, the matchups get even more intriguing. Let's take a look at the best ones. 

Entire women's draw

Seriously, this thing is wide open. I can't just pick one matchup.

Azarenka is out. Everyone's pre-tournament favorite, Serena Williams, is out. And Li Na, last year's winner, just lost in the fourth round.

Maria Sharapova, the highest-ranked player still left, has never made it past the semifinals at Roland Garros. 

I like Samantha Stosur to make the run to victory, but at this point anyone can do it. Dominika Cibulkova, after dominating Azarenka, could make a run, and so could 24-year-old Angelique Kerber.

The women's draw is going to be very compelling the rest of the way. I suggest you pay attention to every remaining match.

David Ferrer vs. Andy Murray

Everyone knows about the big three. This one determines who's next in line.

Ferrer has dominated Murray on clay, going 3-0, but these two haven't played on that surface since 2010. More recently, Murray has won three of the past four matchups, although none of those have come on clay.

Historically, Murray has been better at Roland Garros than Ferrer. The 25-year-old Brit has won 73.68 percent of his matches there, with a semifinal appearance coming last year.

On the other hand, Ferrer has won 70 percent of his French Open matches and was ousted in the fourth round last year.

One thing is sure. This is going to be a close, hard-fought matchup.

And the prize for the winner? A likely date with Rafael Nadal in the semis. Congratulations.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Novak Djokovic

Djokovic struggled immensely on Sunday against Andreas Seppi. He fell down two sets to none but somehow managed to fight his way back for the win.

Nonetheless, Djokovic had 77 unforced errors and just 45 winners. He didn't look right.

Conversely, Tsonga looked very comfortable on clay in his five-set match against Warwinka. The Frenchman has usually struggled at Roland Garros, but he's playing well and he'll have the crowd on his side. 

Should these two meet in the quarters, it will be a rematch of Rome, when Djokovic won in straight sets. Still, if they meet again, Djokovic will be on upset alert, especially if he plays like he did on Sunday.

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