French Open 2012 TV Schedule: Times and Listing for Top Matches
Entering the quarterfinals of the French Open 2012, things are beyond the point of heating up and have reached the boiling point.
Excitement is spilling over as every match counts now more than ever.
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are on a crash course to collide during the semifinals and finals on the men's side despite a few stumbles along the way.
On the women's side, No. 1 Victoria Azarenka was dispatched of by Dominika Cibulkova, leaving No. 2 Maria Sharapova as the favorite.
From historically long matches (thank you once again, John Isner) to stunning upsets (sorry, Serena), this has been a magical French Open.
With so few matches left, every match is worth watching, but I've narrowed this down to the top four matches to watch in Men's and Women's Singles play.
Dominika Cibulkova vs. Samantha Stosur
1 of 5Who: No. 6 Samantha Stosur vs. No. 15 Dominika Cibulkova
When: June 5, 8:00 a.m. ET
Where to Watch: Tennis Channel
After knocking off the world's No. 1 woman, Victoria Azarenka, Dominika Cibulkova is now one of the most intriguing woman at the French Open.
The 23-year-old Slokavian pulled off a big upset, although it was not unexpected after Azarenka stumbled during the first few days of the tournament.
Cibulkova now looks to advance to the semifinals of the French Open for just the second time in her career.
Her next opponent and the only woman standing in her way of arguably her best performance in Roland Garros in her career? No. 6-ranked Samantha Stosur.
Look for Cibulkova to fight tooth-and-nail against this highly-touted foe.
Maria Sharapova vs. Kaia Kanepi
2 of 5Who: No. 2 Maria Sharapova vs. No. 23 Kaia Kanepi
When: June 6, time not set
Where to Watch: ESPN2
Maria Sharapova was once the best women's tennis player in the world, but has not been ranked such since 2008 and must now settle for No. 2.
However, with No. 1 Victoria Azarenka out of the picture, and six of the top 10 women in the world gone, Sharapova is poised to celebrate on Paris' fabled clay courts on June 9.
Her next opponent is No. 23 Kaia Kanepi, who should not pose much of a threat. Sharapova looks to regain her seat atop the tennis world, and her first step is to dispatch of Kanepi.
Sharapova only need to win the French Open to complete her career grand slam, and this looks like the year for her to do it.
Novak Djokovic vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
3 of 5Who: No. 1 Novak Djokovic vs. No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
When: June 5, 10:00 a.m. ET
Where to Watch: Tennis Channel
The world's No. 1, Novak Djokovic, has struggled on clay during his career, and has never won it all at the French Open.
The Djoker struggled against No. 22 Andreas Seppi in the Fourth Round, losing two sets before winning the last three to take the match.
Djokovic is another great player looking to capture his career grand slam. However, after back-to-back losses to Rafael Nadal on clay, struggling against Seppi and having to beat both Roger Federer and Rafa, he may be in trouble.
This could easily be the match where Novak goes down.
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Rafael Nadal vs. Nicolas Almagro
4 of 5Who: No. 2 Rafael Nadal vs. No. 12 Nicolas Almagro
When: June 6, time not set
Where to Watch: ESPN2
Rafael Nadal may be the world's No. 2 right now, but on clay, he's No. 1, No. 2 AND No. 3.
The new King of Clay is so dominant on his favorite surface, and he looks to win his seventh French Open in eight years, which would surpass Bjorn Borg for the most French Open titles in the Open era. Borg won six in eight years, but Rafa looks to one-up him.
Nadal is one fire right now, and he won't be stopped.
He's beaten No. 1 Novak Djokovic in back-to-back matches on clay and won't be stopped by the hottest player in the world. He won't fall to a washed-up Roger Federer again, and there's no one left who can stop him.
In his last match, he beat No. 13 Juan Monaco 6-2, 6-0, 6-0. He hasn't dropped a single set yet, and he hasn't had any set go closer than 6-4. He hasn't lost more than eight games in a match yet, and his dominance is just unbelievable.
Even though there is no doubt in my mind that Rafa will win this match handily and win it all, it's always a pleasure to watch the King of Clay.
Complete Schedule
5 of 5Date | Time (ET) | Round | Channel |
| June 5 | 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (live) | Quarterfinals | Tennis Channel |
| June 5 | 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. (live and same-day tape) | Quarterfinals | ESPN2 |
| June 6 | 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (live) | Quarterfinals | ESPN2 |
| June 7 | 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (live) | Women's Semifinals | ESPN2 |
| June 8 | 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. (live) | Men's Semifinals | Tennis Channel |
| June 8 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (live) | Men's Semifinals | NBC |
| June 9 | 9 a.m. - 12 noon (live) | Women's Final | NBC |
| June 10 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (live) | Men's Final | NBC |
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